Real Madrid are stepping up efforts to bolster their defence ahead of the new season, with Dean Huijsen, William Saliba, and Ibrahima Konaté among the centre-backs on their radar, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

In a Tuesday update shared on X, Romano revealed that Huijsen, who has a £50 million release clause, is eager to join the Spanish giants and is currently waiting for the club to make an official move.

However, Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool are also strongly pursuing the 19-year-old, with all three clubs ready to activate his release clause and currently in talks with his representatives.

“Real Madrid know the player dreams of the move, as internal talks are taking place with Xabi Alonso on new CB,” Romano stated.

Romano also noted that while William Saliba is seen as an ideal long-term option, Real Madrid consider him too costly at the moment.

Ibrahima Konaté is likewise on the list of potential targets, though talks have not progressed to an advanced stage.

Meanwhile, the competition for Dean Huijsen is intensifying, with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal all expressing serious interest and pushing to secure a deal before the end of the month.