Fabrizio Romano has reported that Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after triggering the £50m release clause in the Spanish defender's contract.
Huijsen has emerged as Los Blancos' top defensive target, and the club has already agreed to pay for the 20-year-old in instalments. He has been a rock at the back for the Cherries this season and also weighed in with several important goals.
Madrid are joined in the race for the two-cap Spain international by the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. But a move to the Santiago Bernabeu looks to be drawing closer.
Huijsen wants to play in Bournemouth's final two games of the season, starting with a trip to Manchester City next Tuesday (May 20). He wants his future sorted before that game with just an agreement on personal terms left for Madrid to seal his signature.
Romano gave an update on the situation and confirmed that the Amsterdam-born centre-back's representatives were in the Spanish capital: "Dean Huijsen’s camp, still in Madrid today to get the deal done with final details being sorted. Almost there."
Progress was believed to be made yesterday, but today, work is still being done.
Huijsen's stock has grown tenfold during his short spell at Bournemouth, arriving from Juventus last summer for around £12.6m. He's been a crucial member of Andoni Iraola's side this season, making 34 appearances across competitions, helping the Cherries keep six clean sheets while chipping in with three goals.
Madrid are eager to sign a new centre-back amid injury problems plaguing the squad the entire season. The likes of Eder Militao, David Alaba and most recently Antonio Rudiger have been unavailable and it's played a large part in costing Los Merengues the La Liga title.
This year's FIFA Club World Cup is one of the most hotly anticipated in years because of the financial reward and increase in clubs participating. Madrid are one of 12 European teams that will play in the tournament that has a cash prize of $125m on offer to the winner.
Huijsen WILL be available for the Club World Cup as Sky Sports reports that the two clubs agreed a deal for him to be released from his Bournemouth contract early.
That's great news for Madridstas as concerns over incoming manager Xabi Alonso's depleted defence will be rectified with the arrival of Europe's most exciting defensive prospect ahead of the competition.