Chelsea are reportedly ahead of the competition in the ongoing transfer battle for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also believed to be hot on the youngster's heels, but it's the Blues who have stormed ahead, and club chiefs are eager to have his signature boxed off by the start of the Club World Cup in June.

Huijsen has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, establishing himself as a regular fixture in the Cherries' back-line despite only turning 20 last week.



Huijsen is understood to be 'seriously considering' a move to Stamford Bridge, where a mammoth seven-year contract being prepared by the club could secure his financial future.

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Real Madrid are not expected to make their move at this stage and no player in the Newcastle squad is on longer than a six-year deal, while both Liverpool and Arsenal have established centre-back pairings who could leave Huijsen rooted to the bench.

The Premier League transfer window will open for a week and a half between June 1 and June 10, giving Club World Cup teams an opportunity to sign players in time for the tournament, which starts on June 15.

Chelsea and Manchester City are the two English representatives for the revamped competition which will be held in the United States and last for nearly a whole month.

Huijsen may not be the only pre-tournament arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been tipped to convene with sister club Strasbourg and reshuffle their squads once the Premier League season has concluded.

Andrey Santos, who has spent the campaign on loan in France, will reportedly get his first chance to impress in the Chelsea first-team at the Club World Cup.

Djordje Petrovic could also be back in the fold after enjoying an impressive season between the sticks.
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