Why Real Madrid face double disadvantage in £50m Dean Huijsen transfer pursuit as Chelsea move into pole position for impressive Bournemouth centre-back

The Guardian reports that Madrid have doubts over whether they can afford Huijsen, who has a £50 million ($63m) release clause at Bournemouth. Los Blancos signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer last summer and could do the same with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the coming months. Moreover, Chelsea are said to have a good relationship with the Spain international's representatives and want to secure a deal before the Club World Cup starts in mid-June. That could spell doom for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

The report adds that a potential stumbling block for Chelsea is that the 20-year-old would favour a move to Madrid if it were on the table. But with Los Blancos unsure over whether they have the funds available, Chelsea are leading the charge for the centre-back. It has also been reported that Huijsen is keen to continue in the Premier League for the time being.

Chelsea do face a lot of competition for the young defender, however, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United also keeping tabs on the former Juventus player.

Before the summer transfer window opens, Huijsen will hope to help Bournemouth secure European football for the first time in their history next season.