Real Madrid to get their man! Dean Huijsen set to link up with Los Blancos in time for Club World Cup as Bournemouth star closes in on £50m dream transfer

Real Madrid have reached an agreement in principle with Bournemouth to sign Spain defender Huijsen for £50m, according to ESPN. Los Blancos have made the 20-year-old a key target in recent months and the youngster is said to be extremely keen on the move after just one season in England with the Cherries.

Madrid have struggled with injuries in central defence throughout the campaign, with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba all missing significant portions of the season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had to field Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon in central defence during the 2-1 win over Mallorca, while ostracised defender Jesus Vallejo made just his second league appearance this term as he set up the winning goal for Ramon.

Madrid were keen on signing Huijsen when he was a youngster on the books at Malaga, but his family opted to move to Juventus instead. He spent a season on loan with Roma before making a permanent transfer to Bournemouth, impressing under Andoni Iraola with his ease on the ball and tactical awareness.

Huijsen and Bournemouth have the weekend off before they face Manchester City on Tuesday ahead of their final game of the season against Leicester. Madrid's Club World Cup campaign kicks off on Wednesday 18 June when they take on Al-Hilal in Florida.