Chelsea leading the race for Dean Huijsen | OneFootball

Dean Huijsen could swap the Vitality Stadium for Stamford Bridge next season according to reports.

Matt Law of The Telegraph has reported that it is Chelsea who currently lead the race for the much-coveted centre-back.

Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer following a loan stint at Roma and has immediately emerged as one of the Premier Leagues's most promising defenders, playing 31 times for Andoni Iraola's side.

The 20-year-old's contract with the Cherries includes a £50 million release clause that several clubs will be interested in activating. However, it is Chelsea who currently lead the way, with the Blues who currently lead the way.

The Spanish international is apparently high on Enzo Maresca's wishlist as he looks to bolster a large squad with a ball-playing centre-back.

Should Huijsen go elsewhere or decide not to leave Bournemouth then Chelsea may look at alternatives with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Ajax's Jorrel Hato also linked with the London side.