Real Madrid and Manchester United hit major stumbling block in race to sign 19-year-old Premier League starlet: Reports

Bournemouth will not allow Real Madrid and Manchester United target Dean Huijsen to leave in January, according to Real Madrid confidencial. The teenage defender has been quite impressive for the Cherries this season and has apparently turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' search for a new defender has been well documented. The LaLiga giants have struggled to deal with injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba.

With Antonio Rudiger also on the wrong side of 30, a new defender is quickly becoming a priority for Real Madrid. The club have invested heavily in younger talents of late and Huijsen fits their transfer strategy.

However, the 19-year-old also has admirers at Manchester United. The Red Devils roped in Leny Yoro over the summer, but remain on the hunt for more defensive reinforcements.

New head coach Ruben Amorim is implementing a 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford and is eyeing suitable candidates to fit his tactics. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire is already on the wrong side of 30, while Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans will be out of contracts this summer.

Manchester United are likely to invest in the back at the end of this season and Huijsen could be an option for the job. The young defender is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, so he is likely to cost a fair fee.

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Are Real Madrid eyeing a Manchester United defender?

Dean Huijsen

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Manchester United's Diogo Dalot as an option to reinforce their right-back position this year, according to reports in CaughtOffSide. The LaLiga champions are in the market for Dani Carvajal's long-term replacement and it is an open secret that they have their eyes on Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Englishman's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of this season and he is yet to sign a new deal. The Reds have failed in their endeavour to extend his stay so far, but haven't thrown in the towel yet.

Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on developments at Anfield as they plot a Bosman move this summer. However, Real Madrid are also keeping their options open and have identified Dalot as a plan B.

Should the reigning Spanish champions miss out on Alexander-Arnold, they will move for the Portuguese to address the position. Manchester United are expected to reinforce their wing-back positions this year to suit Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system. As such, they could be open to Dalot's exit.