Liverpool are reportedly one of three European heavyweights keeping a close eye on 18-year-old Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen.
The Amsterdam-born starlet - who represents Spain at youth level - learned his trade in the Malaga youth setup and has since donned the black and white stripes of Juventus for the past two-and-a-half years.
After excelling at youth level, Huijsen made his Serie A debut for the Old Lady in a 1-0 win over AC Milan in October and frequently made Massimiliano Allegri's bench before being loaned out to Roma in January.
Under the wing of Jose Mourinho and now Daniele De Rossi, Huijsen has risen to prominence at Roma with two goals and one assist from 11 matches, featuring as a centre-back, central midfielder and right midfielder.
The versatile teenager also boasts two caps for Spain at Under-21 level and towers over most of his opponents at his tender age, standing at 6ft 5in tall, making him a particularly attractive prospect in defence.
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Liverpool facing intense Bundesliga competition for Huijsen
Juventus are under no pressure to part ways with Huijsen, whose contract runs until the end of the 2027-28 season, but their resolve could be tested in the upcoming transfer window.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are preparing to make a formal approach for the 18-year-old this summer, although they face a few roadblocks in their pursuit of his services.
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig - two clubs also renowned for handing opportunities to young players - are tracking Huijsen's performances too, while Roma have not given up hope of signing him permanently.
Alternatively, Juventus could offer Huijsen to Atalanta BC as part of a deal for Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, one of their leading engine room targets ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Furthermore, the Old Lady are already at risk of losing Manchester United-linked Bremer this summer, although Huijsen has every reason to consider swapping the Allianz Stadium for Anfield.
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Reds to prioritise defensive reinforcements this summer
As the Liverpool medical team continue to work overtime on an overflowing treatment room, academy products are being picked off the conveyor belt for first-team selection under Jurgen Klopp, whose faith in the kids has been a theme of their successful 2023-24.
One of those Kirkby prospects - Jarell Quansah - has quickly become an integral figure for the Reds in defence, and while Klopp will no longer be in charge of the reins after this season ends, handing opportunities to fledgling names should still be a priority objective for his successor.
As such, Huijsen ought to be optimistic of earning regular minutes in the Liverpool backline, especially with Joel Matip - currently out with an ACL injury - out of contract at the end of the season with no extension in sight.
Ibrahima Konate, as solid as he is on his day, cannot be relied upon to stay fit either, and as much as the Kop will not want to admit it, plans for life after Virgil van Dijk - who turns 33 in July and will become a free agent in 2025 as things stand - must soon be drawn up.
A new contract for Van Dijk is believed to be in the pipeline, but after a successful midfield revamp in 2023, it is expected to be all change in the Reds' rearguard ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Ben Knapton
