Liverpool look like bringing a new centre-back to Merseyside – and this one could be the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds captain became the most expensive central defender on Earth when he joined but at 32, he's not going to be around forever. The Dutchman has been in fantastic form this season but that aura might be about to fade post-Klopp.
And to counter that, it appears that Liverpool are looking to the future…
Juventus could cash in on Dean Huijsen amid Liverpool and Newcastle interest
It’s not often you come across a Serie A player called Dean, but we presume there is more than just that novelty value at play amid reports that Liverpool are eyeing a deal for Juventus’ 18-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen.
The Dutch-born Spain under-21 international is enjoying a breakout season after taking the step up from the Juve youth ranks to make his Serie A debut against AC Milan in October before being sent out on loan to Roma in January. Huijsen has appeared in every one of his new side’s league games since then, albeit usually as a substitute, and has claimed two goals and an assist in 13 appearances.
La Gazzetta Della Sport write that Roma now want to turn Huijsen’s temporary move into a permanent one this summer, and have made entreaties to that end.
However, they would reportedly face competition from overseas. Liverpool are joined by Newcastle United, RB Leipzig (which is ‘Lipsia’ in Italian, who knew) and Borussia Dortmund (which is ‘Borussia Dortmund’ in Italian, who knew) in pursuing Huijsen.
A £26m price tag has been touted, although Gazzetta are decidedly undecided as to whether or not that would be enough to tempt Juventus into a sale. Sport Witness claim that Juventus are looking to sacrifice a few players to raise funds for a midfield revamp, however.
A centre-half by trade, Transfermarkt’s data suggests that Huijsen has also made appearances in central midfield and at right wing-back for Roma.
More Liverpool stories
It's a busy time for Liverpool transfer rumours (when isn't it?) with another teenage prodigy also linked with a £48m move.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have made a clear choice for their next manager according to one report, while Roy Keane has expressed doubts over one candidate. Talks have reportedly begun over one Brazilian star joining, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up to FourFourTwo over receiving the vice-captaincy at Anfield.
