Real Madrid have informed Bournemouth they are willing to meet Liverpool target Dean Huijsen's £50m release clause, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Real are also already in talks with Huijsen over personal terms and have sent an official offer to the player, as GMS correspondent Fabrizio Romano first revealed.
Bournemouth expect Huijsen's £50m clause to be triggered or matched. The Cherries want a quick departure, while Huijsen plans to pick his next club in May.
GMS understands Huijsen's preference is to move to Real Madrid, even though Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all pushing for his signature as well. Tottenham, Newcastle and Bayern have also enquired, but are not thought to be serious contenders at this stage.
Real only recently decided to enter the race for Huijsen in a move driven by incoming manager Xabi Alonso. The Leverkusen boss will join Real in time for the Club World Cup and has already stressed the need for defensive reinforcements.
Premier League clubs had tried to act fast and get a commitment from Huijsen before Real decided whether to sign a centre-back. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all prepared to trigger Huijsen's clause but have been made to wait on the player's decision, allowing Real time to now become the new front-runner for his signature.
Those close to the player stress Huijsen has multiple options, and was attracted in particular by Liverpool's proposal from all the Premier League clubs. But Huijsen has made no secret of his desire to join Real, putting the Spanish giants in pole position.
Real also have Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba on their list of options. Liverpool could be forced to listen to offers for Konate since the French centre-back only has one year left on his current deal. There are ongoing talks over an extension but there has been no breakthrough to date.
Arsenal want to keep Saliba at all costs and remain optimistic he will sign a new deal. Real are yet to make an approach to Arsenal. Huijsen appears to be their priority and agreeing terms with the player are not thought to be a problem.
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