O'Rourke: Liverpool plot move to sign 'unbelievable' £50m star

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Liverpool are plotting a move to sign Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 19-year-old has attracted a lot of attention thanks to his “unbelievable” performances at the Vitality Stadium.

Liverpool are are set to be joined in their pursuit by the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as interest in his signature continues to grow.

Meanwhile, a £50million release clause in his Bournemouth contract has placed clubs on alert as they would be prepared to meet that price tag.

Football Insider revealed on 16 February that Liverpool plan to sign a centre-back this summer regardless of the future of Virgil van Dijk.

Huijsen has become one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe thanks to his performances in Andoni Iraola’s side so far this season.

His age, Premier League experience, ability on the ball, height and all-round ability is said to tick a lot of boxes for Arne Slot ahead of a potential move.

Dean Huijsen emerges as priority target for Liverpool

Slot is keen to strengthen his options at centre-back come the end of the season as he plans to improve his squad after an impressive first season.

As things stand, 33-year-old Van Dijk is approaching the end of his contract at Anfield and a lack of concrete update about their progress in talks has raised concerns.

However, regardless of his contract decision, Liverpool have identified Huijsen alongside Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as their two top targets this summer.

Both centre-backs are expected to be available this summer as Guehi enters the final 12 months of his contract at Palace while Huijsen’s release clause has put the Reds on alert.

Update on Jarrell Quansah future as Arne Slot plan revealed

As plans are put in place to sign new options at the back, Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool could send Jarrell Quansah on loan for more playing time.

He is expected to be pushed further down the pecking order if Liverpool can complete deals for new options, but the Reds are keen for him to continue playing first-team football.

The 22-year-old was a shock inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, but remains on the fringes of Slot’s plans at Liverpool.

Quansah made 34 appearances under Jurgen Klopp in the 2023/24 season, with 28 of those coming from the start, but has started just 10 of his 21 appearances under Slot.

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