Liverpool are reportedly battling Real Madrid for the signature of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.

The 19-year-old made the move to Bournemouth from Juventus during last summer's transfer window, and he has excelled for the Cherries this season, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions, including 23 appearances in the Premier League.

Bournemouth signed Huijsen to a six-year contract upon his arrival from Juventus, but the presence of a £50m release clause has left Andoni Iraola's side in a difficult position when it comes to the teenager's future.

Real Madrid are believed to have identified the centre-back as a leading transfer target for this summer.

However, according to talkSPORT, there is also strong interest from Liverpool, with the Reds viewing the Bournemouth youngster as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who will be out of contract at the end of June.

Van Dijk has again been a star performer for Liverpool this season, but he is no closer to penning a fresh deal, while the same can also be said for Reds duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool 'to rival' Real Madrid for Huijsen

Huijsen's form for Bournemouth this season has seen him earn a call-up into the Spain squad for the national side's two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands.

The youngster was asked about potential interest from Real Madrid earlier this week, and he said that it was "an honour" to be linked with such a prestigious club.

"It's an honour when you hear about Real Madrid interest, I'm proud to have such a big club interested in me. It's special for sure," Huijsen told reporters.

Real Madrid missed out on a deal for Leny Yoro to Manchester United last summer, and it is unlikely that Los Blancos would be prepared to give up on the Bournemouth defender without a serious fight, but a move to Liverpool would also be hugely appealing.

Liverpool could also swoop for another Bournemouth defender

Liverpool also want to bring in a new left-back this summer, and it is understood that Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez is their leading target, with the Hungary international also having a standout campaign for the Cherries.

Kerkez has scored twice and provided five assists in 32 appearances for Iraola's team this season, and he is another player from a very talented Bournemouth outfit who could be on the move to Anfield.

However, Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old, so there could be another battle between the two European powerhouses when it comes to Kerkez.

Bournemouth's hopes of claiming European football for next season have been harmed by a run which has seen them pick up just one point from their last three matches, with the team dropping to 10th spot in the Premier League table. body check tags ::