Liverpool and Arsenal are the two clubs in “pole position” to snap up Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The Spanish international has a £50m release clause in his contract and a decision on his future is expected soon.
Chelsea have been tipped as the favourites for Huijsen’s signature up until very recently but Plettenberg says the main threat to Liverpool is likely to come from the Gunners or potentially Real Madrid.
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Bayern Munich have also been mentioned as a suitor but the Bundesliga champions don’t have the financial resources to pursue the centre-back.
The spectre of Real looms large
Not content with recruiting Trent Alexander-Arnold, the La Liga giants are said to be in the market for a centre-half as well.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ibrahima Konate is on their list, along with Arsenal’s William Saliba, but they also harbour an interest in Huijsen.
The defender is expected to favour a move back to Spain if it becomes a realistic option so Reds’ fans won’t be reading too much into Plettenberg’s claims at the moment.
Liverpool are close to signing another defender
While Huijsen’s transfer to Anfield is still far from certain, Arne Slot’s side are believed to be closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
The Merseysider’s interest in the Dutchman has been known for several months but Alexander-Arnold’s announcement that he will be leaving has accelerated the club’s attempts to find a replacement.
Frimpong has a €35m (£30m) buyout clause in his contract, which makes him an attractive target. The 24-year-old has played in this country before, having started out in Manchester City’s academy before making his senior debut for Celtic.
Read our exclusive interview with Glen Johnson as he offers his insight into Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool