Liverpool handed CRUCIAL edge in Dean Huijsen transfer battle

Liverpool look like they are going to be involved in a mega transfer tussle this summer for Dean Huijsen.

The 19-year-old Bournemouth centre-back is reported to have a €60 million release clause in his contract, placing several of Europe’s top clubs on alert.

READ MORE: Liverpool star CONFIRMS he's staying

Having joined for a bargain €15m from Juventus at the start of the season, the Spaniard has gone on to establish himself as one of the most promising defenders in world football.

READ MORE: Liverpool have remarkable deal to replace Darwin Nunez for £50m PROFIT

As well as catching the eye of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and other high-profile sides, Huijsen has also managed to break into the Spain senior set-up.

He looks set for a long and successful career right at the very top and will surely have the pick of his next destination.

Huijsen: Van Dijk is the best

The Reds might well have a secret weapon in the battle for the Cherries’ stopper however.

A recent appearance on the Talkin’ Ballshit podcast revealed that Huijsen believes Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world.

And with the Liverpool captain close to announcing a new contract, with his current deal expiring this summer, Huijsen would have the chance to star alongside Van Dijk for the Reds next season.

Surely that chance is too good to turn down?

"Van Dijk 100%," he said when asked to name the best centre-back in the world. “He just stands there and he's so tall, so strong. He's a great player.”

Huijsen admires Matip and Salah

But Huijsen also disclosed some proper ball knowledge, announcing long-term Liverpool cult hero Joel Matip as his most underrated Premier League central defender of all time.

He had kind words about Mohamed Salah too, stating that the Liverpool winger was the one player who truly troubled him.

"He has the ability to create stuff but he also has the ability to be in the right spot all the time to get an assist to get a goal,” he said.

“Even against us he scored two goals but out of nowhere. It was a dribble and he just curled it into the top corner plus a penalty.”

And with Salah close to announcing a renewal of his own, would you rather be with him or against him Dean?

Huijsen names Ramos as biggest idol

That said, Huijsen stopped short of naming Van Dijk as his defensive idol. Instead, he named the ultimate Liverpool villain in Sergio Ramos.

"My idol was always Ramos when I was growing up,” he said. “I think he had everything from goals to leader to on the ball defensively, character - everything. I used to watch him a lot when I was like 12-13."

That could well confirm the rumour that Huijsen grew up as a Real Madrid fan.

READ MORE: Mo Salah inches closer to new Liverpool contract but with one CRAZY detail

With 39-year-old Ramos now playing for Liga MX giants Monterrey, the continued presence of Van Dijk gives Liverpool a crucial edge over Madrid in a potential showdown for Huijsen.