Liverpool icon could be key to MASSIVE transfer steal

Liverpool will be in the market for a new centre-back in the near future, and one of their top targets may have just revealed the key to securing his signature.

Although the Reds’ attack is likely to be the main focus this summer, an overhaul of Arne Slot’s defensive options could also be on the cards.

Liverpool transfer news today: Reds poised to SMASH record fee as deal speeds up

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid seems a formality at this stage and Liverpool are also rumoured to be in the market for a new left-back.

With less than four months remaining on Virgil van Dijk’s contract and Ibrahima Konate’s future less than certain, centre-back may also be an area that Richard Hughes looks to strengthen.

Now, one of the Reds’ top targets may have dropped a hint that his future is at Anfield.

READ MORE: Forget Alexander Isak, Richard Hughes will sign GIANT €40m forward instead

Dean Huijsen sings Liverpool icon’s praises

Dean Huijsen, who has been a revelation at Bournemouth this season, is one of the most sought after defenders in world football – and he just revealed that Liverpool have been on his radar for some time.

Speaking to the Papa Pincus YouTube channel, Huijsen revealed his pick for the most underrated Premier League centre-back of all time.

“Obviously, I’m young, so I haven’t seen much of the past, but from what I have seen, maybe Joel Matip,” the 19-year-old said. “He did it for so long.”

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold now set for EARLY Liverpool exit

This is a take that many of the Anfield faithful will agree with, and it shows that the Bournemouth man has been a follower of the Merseyside club for some time.

Matip joined the Reds when Huijsen was just 11-years-old, and had left Anfield before the Spanish international made the move to the Premier League.

To pick Matip as the Premier League’s most underrated centre-back ever, Huijsen must have spent some time watching Liverpool as he was developing into one of Europe’s most exciting talents.

Huijsen to Liverpool?

Although Slot’s side aren’t the only team in for the young star, the presence of a £50 million release clause in his contract will excite many supporters.

Liverpool have been no strangers to trigger release clauses for players they want over recent years, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister two prime examples.

It isn’t unreasonable to assume that if Hughes and Slot are convinced Huijsen is the man for them, the £50m fee won’t be an issue and Liverpool will be at the table for his signature.

EXCLUSIVE: £41m centre-back is READY to join Liverpool

Supporters will hope that Huijsen’s appreciation for Joel Matip is an insight into a more overarching appreciation for Liverpool and, if given the choice, that the Bournemouth man will pick Anfield as his next destination.