Man United 'set to battle Real Madrid for £55m Bournemouth star' – as Ruben Amorim plots summer rebuild at Old Trafford

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing a Bournemouth star this summer.

With the Red Devils currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table, a major squad overhaul is expected at the end of the season.

And head coach Ruben Amorim already appears to have identified one of his key transfer targets.

According to The Sun, United are interested in signing Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

The Spanish centre back joined the Cherries for £12.6m from Juventus last summer and has impressed in his first season in England.

He has a £55m release clause that can be triggered in July, and United are believed to be considering making a move for the 19-year-old.

United are interested in signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen (third right) who has a £55m release clause

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in signing Huijsen

However, getting a deal over the line is unlikely to be straightforward as it is understood that they face competition for his signature from Real Madrid and a number of top German clubs.

Huijsen has made 18 Premier League appearances this term and has been part of a defence that has conceded just 28 goals. Only the current top three – Liverpool, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest – have conceded fewer.

His performances have caught the eye, with Bournemouth 11 points ahead of United and pushing for a European spot.

United are now showing significant interest in Huijsen as they look to bolster their backline ahead of multiple expected departures this summer.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both out of contract at the end of the season and look set to be moved on, while Lisandro Martinez suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month and appears unlikely to return until the latter stages of 2025.

United legend Paul Scholes has also raised doubts about Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, who both arrived at Old Trafford last year.

Speaking about the pair on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Scholes said: ‘His (De Ligt’s) age (25) and his amount of clubs already concerns me. He was brilliant at Ajax, he seems to be getting worse as he gets older. Bayern Munich, Juventus, they’ve let him go for some reason.

‘Where are your ambitions? I’m talking about getting a team to win the Premier League. Are you going to win the Premier League with De Ligt and Yoro as your centre halves?

The United legend has not been convinced by Matthijs de Ligt (right) or Leny Yoro (left)

‘You (a fan) said you think they’re quite good. Is quite good good enough?’ 

He added on Yoro: ‘Look, he’s a young player, but I haven’t liked what I’ve seen so far. 

‘Did you see the Southampton game? He’s a young player, he’s one centre half I would keep, when I talk about that spine and two centre halves.’

Scholes has called for reinforcements at the heart of the defence, and he could get his wish if United step up their interest in Huijsen.