Newcastle United now said to be lagging behind in race for £50m Premier League star

Newcastle United are expected to be part of the £50 million frenzy to try to sign AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer.

Bournemouth snagged themselves a bargain when they picked up the Spain international for around £15 million in the summer after Newcastle opted not to make their move.

The 20-year-old has had a very impressive first season in the Premier League and has helped Bournemouth into a respectable league position.

Indeed, his performances have been so impressive that nobody has really batted an eye at the idea of spending £50 million on a 20-year-old centre-back when his release clause becomes active at the end of the season.

Journalist Graeme Bailey believes there's a new favourite to sign Dean Huijsen

Newcastle United are said to be keen on Huijsen still, and despite having missed out for £15 million a year ago, they seem ready to drop £50 million to correct that mistake. Unfortunately, so too are Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, with Bayern Munich and potentially even Real Madrid circling too.

Now, though, journalist Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the feeling is that there's a clear favourite right now, and it's not Newcastle.

“Having spoken to Bournemouth sources, they reiterated that they see him most likely staying in the Premier League and from what they believe, the favourites for him are Liverpool, not to discount Chelsea or even Arsenal or Newcastle, but Liverpool are pushing hard.

“However, Bournemouth make it clear – the decision is not with them, it is on Huijsen. Bournemouth do want this done quickly to help them progress with finding his replacement. Huijsen and his camp would like it, but they are waiting – they are assessing.

“In conversations I have had with clubs on the continent, I would not rule Real Madrid or Bayern Munich out of this hunt just yet.”

Arne Slot could have an amazing centre-back pairing on his hands next season

It feels like this is a very fluid situation and could change at any moment, but Huijsen's preference is Real Madrid, so you'd have to fancy that if that move isn't on the table, then a move to the Premier League champions would be his next choice.

One of the things Huijsen will be keen on establishing in order to make a move is how much game time he can expect to see, and while from our perspective, he'd likely get more of it at Newcastle than any of the other clubs mentioned, Arne Slot is not against giving younger players plenty of opportunities. We can actually see a Huijsen and Virgil van Dijk partnership being Slot's go-to next season.

Newcastle aren't out of it yet, by any means, but this definitely has the feel of a transfer deal that may be out of our reach this summer.