Liverpool have emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer but their interest could have serious implications on the future of Ibrahima Konate, according to David Ornstein.
Huijsen is expected to be one of the most in-demand players of the summer transfer window due to an appealing €50 million release clause in the 19-year-old’s contract with the Cherries.
While the Spaniard is believed to be pushing for a move to Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have yet to make their move, with reports that they could make a world record approach for Arsenal’s William Saliba instead.
The uncertainty has led Ornstein to suggest to The Athletic that Huijsen is ‘most probable’ to join a Premier League club this summer, with the defender’s representatives having met with a number of English sides this week.
Chelsea and Arsenal are described as leading contenders along with Liverpool, with Newcastle and Tottenham also interested, while Real are not ‘actively working’ on a deal according to Ornstein’s knowledge.
However, the development of Liverpool’s interest may prove the most intriguing, with the Reds now focused on Konate’s future after making a breakthrough in the renewals of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah this week.
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Liverpool are close to agreeing new contracts with Salah and Van Dijk but there has been no movement over Konate’s future, with the Frenchman’s current deal set to expire next summer.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have long been interested in Konate and they could post a threat to Liverpool this summer, hence the acceleration in talks for Huijsen.
Arsenal, too, will have one eye on Saliba’s future, although they are confident of keeping hold of their talismanic centre-back and view Huijsen as a replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who could be sold this summer.
Chelsea are also considering long-term partners for Levi Colwill in defence due to Wesley Fofana’s perpetual injuries but Huijsen’s decision will ultimately come down to his choice, with Bournemouth resigned to his departure and merely hoping for a speedy resolution in talks.
