Dean Huijsen 'joins' Arsenal centre-back and Liverpool defender on Real Madrid transfer shortlist

Real Madrid have reportedly placed Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, Arsenal's William Saliba and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate on their transfer shortlist.

Los Blancos are preparing for a new era under Xabi Alonso, who is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.

Real Madrid will be keen to give Alonso the best squad possible for his first season in charge, and the centre of their defence is one area that needs to be bolstered ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

They have seen Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger all hit with injuries this term, exposing their lack of depth in that area of the pitch.

Los Blancos appear to have identified three Premier League defenders as potential targets for the summer transfer window.

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Huijsen among three defenders on shortlist

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have put Huijsen, Saliba and Konate on their three-man centre-back shortlist.

Huijsen is a particularly appealing option to a number of clubs due to the fact that he has a £50m release clause in his Bournemouth contract.

Los Blancos view Saliba as their 'dream target' for the summer window, although they believe that it would be too expensive to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.

As for Konate, he is set to enter the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract, and he is yet to reach an agreement over an extension.

The Reds are still said to be in talks over a new deal, but if they are unable to reach an agreement, they may have to consider a sale rather than risk him leaving on a free next summer.

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Huijsen races heats up

In a separate update, Romano reports that Real Madrid are aware that Huijsen's 'dreams' of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the Spanish giants face intense competition from a number of Premier League clubs in the race to sign the 20-year-old defender.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be willing to activate Huijsen's release clause before the end of the month.

The update claims that all three Premier League clubs are working on reaching an agreement with the player's representatives.

As a result of the transfer interest, Bournemouth look set to bid farewell to the Spain international just one year after signing him from Juventus.

Huijsen has established himself as a key part of Andoni Iraola's side, having featured in 30 Premier League matches this season.