Bournemouth are reaching into their pocket to back manager Andoni Iraola after a successful first season as manager.
Iraola replaced Gary O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium last summer and led the Cherries to a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.
The Spaniard particularly had a strong impact on Bournemouth‘s forwards with Dominic Solanke enjoying his best-ever season under Iraola with 19 league goals.
But they still had struggles defensively with 67 goals conceded in the league – only the three relegated sides conceded more.
Bournemouth are working to address their defensive weaknesses this summer and have identified centre-back Dean Huijsen as a top target.
Manchester United and Liverpool registered their interest in Huijsen ahead of the summer transfer window and asked to be kept informed about his situation at Juventus.
HITC revealed on Wednesday that Bournemouth are now leading the race to sign Dean Huijsen with Tiago Pinto pushing to finalise a move for the 19-year-old.
Dean Huijsen compared to Gerard Pique
Huijsen moved to Juventus in 2021 but has not been handed many opportunities to impress in Turin.
A move away is now on the cards and Bournemouth are at the front of the queue to capture his signature.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Stuttgart are another team bidding hard to sign him with his asking price set to be around 20million Euros (£17million).
The report also adds that one of Huijsen’s biggest strengths is carrying the ball out of defence which has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.
At six foot and four inches tall, he is also dominant in aerial battles, which will suit him if he does complete a move to the Premier League.
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