Real Madrid are ‘targeting in-form Bournemouth star’ following the revelation of £50m release clause

Real Madrid are interested in signing in-form Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen in the summer, according to reports.

The 19-year-old joined Andoni Iraola’s side for £12.6million from Juventus last summer on a six-year deal and has had a stellar first season in England.

Huijsen has made 19 Premier League appearances this term and has been part of a defence that has conceded just 29 goals. Only the current top two – Liverpool and Arsenal – have conceded fewer.

It is believed that the Spanish centre-back will be available to sign for just £50million due to a release clause in his contract, with many of European football’s biggest side beginning to circle.

Los Blancos have taken notice of the youngster’s displays and have listed him as a ‘major target’ for the club in the summer, according to talkSPORT.

The reigining Champions League champions are also understood to be keeping a close eye on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with boss Carlo Ancelotti holding an admiration for the centre-back.

Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos are in need of centre-backs as several stars deals begin to run out 

Jarrad Branthwaite is also believed to be a target for Ancelotti, who admires the defender

The Italian is searching for a central defender to bolster his backline as David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Raul Ascencio all have less than 18 months left on their deals.

Manchester United are also believed to be considering a move for the teenager. However, getting a deal over the line is unlikely to be straightforward due to the competition from Real Madrid.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both out of contract at the end of the season and look set to be moved on, while Lisandro Martinez suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month and appears unlikely to return until the latter stages of 2025.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth face a mammoth task to keep hold of a number of their star players as they make a push for Champions League football. Liverpool are fond of Milos Kerkez, while Paris Saint-Germain fancy Illia Zabarnyi.

Last week, Mail Sport revealed that Los Blancos scouts have also checked on Adam Wharton since his return to first-team action at Crystal Palace.

Juni Calafat, chief scout with the Spanish giants, is a confirmed admirer of the 21-year-old England international and Madrid staff have been sent to monitor the Palace midfielder’s progress.