Real Madrid are considering signing Bournemouth’s young centre-back Dean Huijsen for next season, a source has told ESPN.

The 19-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s sensations and has attracted huge praise in Spain after making his international debut in the Nations League double-header against the Netherlands.

Madrid are looking to strengthen at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold and had intended to wait until 2026 to sign a centre-back as well.

However, a source told ESPN that the club are considering bringing forward those plans because they are aware that other European giants will try to sign Huijsen this summer.

The young Bournemouth defender has a €50 million ($54m) buy-out clause in his contract and Madrid are not ruling out adding in a player to make the deal cheaper. In fact, in the past, Andoni Iraola’s team have already been interested in Fran García.

At the Bernabéu, Huijsen’s personality and his ability to bring the ball out of play, as well as his defensive strength and his ability with both legs, are highly valued.

The source told ESPN that Madrid have been tracking the player for years but it has been his confirmation in the elite and his great debut with the Spanish national team that has made Madrid consider accelerating the operation.

Madrid let Nacho leave last summer and failed to strengthen the centre of defence despite coming close to signing Leny Yoro.

Carlo Ancelotti, after Éder Militão’s injury, found the solution in Raúl Asencio and another source tells ESPN that Madrid are close to rewarding his great performance in the first team with a renewal.

Asenció, 22, was also called up to Spain’s squad for the matches against the Netherlands and Madrid have decided to secure his long-term future by offering him a multi-season extension that also includes a substantial pay rise.