Real Madrid emerge as favourites to land Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen – as the Spanish giants move ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for the £50m-rated defender

Real Madrid are now considered favourites to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Talks have taken place and the Spanish international’s preference is understood to be Madrid if they advance in negotiations.

Huijsen has a £50million release clause with Bournemouth willing to accept terms to be paid over three instalments.

Liverpool and Chelsea have registered their interest as have Arsenal and Newcastle United but those clubs are wary now of Madrid’s presence in discussions.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season under Andoni Iraola and established himself as one of the most promising centre backs in the Premier League since joining last summer from Juventus.

Madrid had considered signing Huijsen previously when he was a youth player at Malaga.

Chelsea have other centre-backs on their list with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite among them.