"It's special" - Man Utd and Chelsea-linked defender responds to £50m Real Madrid transfer interest

Manchester United will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window as they aim to build a squad that can flourish in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have had a disappointing season so far as they are out of all competitions apart from the Europa League. They booked a place in the quarter-finals of the competition against Lyon after beating Real Sociedad 5-2 in the round of 16. They could change the narrative of their campaign by winning the competition, as it will also book their spot in the Champions League for next season.

Amorim will be keen to add a defender in the summer window as the likes of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both set to leave the club and become free agents.

Huijsen responds to Real Madrid links amid Man Utd links

United have been linked with several top centre-backs, one of which is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has impressed for Andoni Iraola’s side this season. Andy Dillon reported just this week that United were tracking the player with a view to sign him this summer. Liverpool have also been strongly linked with a move for the defender in the summer. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked ahead of the summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting in January reporting the Stamford Bridge club “really appreciate” him.

The 19-year-old has made 23 Premier League appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring two goals. He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Arsenal too as well as the Red Devils.

La Liga side Real Madrid have also reportedly shown an interested in the centre-back as they look for a long-term replacement for Sergio Ramos.

However, the Bournemouth star has spoken out amid the interest in him from the La Liga giants. He told Spanish media : “It’s a source of pride to have such a big team interested in you; it’s special and means you’re doing well.”

Huijsen had the chance to join Madrid in 2021 when he instead moved to Serie A side Juventus before coming to England. He said: “I think it was a measured decision, I wanted to go to Juventus because of Italy’s reputation, where [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Andrea] Barzagli, and other historic centre-backs were. I wanted to learn defensive skills, which you also learn in Spain, but you work harder there. I think it was the right decision.”

The defender has a reported £50m release clause, but is estimated to be worth £35m and is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2030.

Huijsen could be United’s alternative to Jarrad Branthwaite

Huijsen isn’t the only centre-back that the Red Devils have been linked to in recent months, as Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite emerged as a top target during the summer last year. He missed out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, despite performing well for Everton in 22 Premier League matches this season.

Branthwaite was subject to a bid of over £35 million from United in the summer, which was quickly rejected by the Toffees. United are understood to still be keen on the 22-year-old, however, according to the Guardian, Everton value the defender at over £70 million, so United could opt for Huijsen as a cheaper alternative.

For your next United read, one of the Red Devils’ medical staff is set to join one of their Premier League rivals in the summer transfer window.