Tottenham Hotspur have fallen behind two of their Premier League rivals in the race for a centre-back, who the Lilywhites have made a firm offer for, and to make matters worse, Arsenal are one of the clubs that have leapfrogged them.
If reports over the last couple of weeks are to be believed, Tottenham are likely to lose their vice-captain Cristian Romero amidst strong interest from Atletico Madrid.
If that is the case, the Lilywhites would be expected to prioritise signing a marquee centre-back to fill the void left by the Argentine’s departure, and they might turn their attention to a teenager centre-back, who is going from strength to strength in the Premier League.
It has been widely reported over recent months that Tottenham are big fans of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who is having a stellar first season in England following his move from Juventus last summer.
It was even claimed by Cadena Sir a couple of days ago that Spurs have already made a firm offer for Huijsen, but a fresh update suggests that Ange Postecoglou’s men are now falling behind in the transfer race.
Arsenal and Liverpool are at the front of the queue to sign Dean Huijsen
Florian Plettenberg has now taken to social media to name the Reds and the Gunners as the two leading contenders to win the race for the Bournemouth star’s signature.
He backs up what we have heard over recent weeks from other sources by stating that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also have their eye on Huijsen.
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However, Plettenberg explains that a move to the Allianz Arena is unlikely for the Cherries defender at this stage.
Further, the journalist adds that a decision from Huijsen on his next destination is expected soon and reveals that the centre-back’s £50m release clause can be paid in three instalments.
Why Huijsen’s release clause stipulation may give Tottenham a chance
It has been widely reported that Tottenham have to sell players before they can buy this summer as the club are not in a strong financial position.
However, the news that Huijsen’s £50m release clause can be paid over three stages makes the deal affordable for the Lilywhites.
If Spurs do lose Romero, one would expect them to push ahead with a move for the Bournemouth man, but Tottenham may struggle to convince the Spain international, given the other clubs interested.