Huijsen reveals priority after Reds, Gunners and MU learn release clause

Dean Huijsen has already suggested he 'wants to make history' with Bournemouth by representing them in Europe for the first time next season.

And that could leave the 19-year-old central defender's suitors, thought to include Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, significantly disappointed ahead of the summer transfer window, where a release clause in his contract will become active.

Huijsen only arrived on the south coast in the summer, joining from Juventus for £15million. But he has made such a big impression with the Cherries in the first half of the season that the top-flight's elite are already circling.

It's been reported that Huijsen could be available for just £50million in the summer due to a clause in his contract, which has put plenty of clubs on red alert.

However, it may not be a foregone conclusion that Huijsen leaves given Bournemouth are among a pool of clubs who are in with a chance of qualifying for Europe next season.

The Cherries have never played in Europe before, meaning that Andoni Iraola's side would make history if they can go on to finish in the upper echelons of the Premier League table this season. And European football could persuade Huijsen to stay put.

He hinted as much in an interview with The Guardian last month, where he said: “We’re doing well and I think we can qualify for Europe. We have the quality and the potential.

“Who wouldn’t want to play in Europe? I think everyone would like that. It would go down in the history of the club. It would be great for all of the players, fans and everyone involved. I think it is realistic with how we are playing.

“We are doing well and all of the stats show that it’s not just luck and we deserve to be here. We just need to keep on working hard, stay humble and continue proving ourselves.”

Bournemouth boss, Iraola, who currently has the club fifth in the Premier League standings, thinks Huijsen is destined for the top. He said: “I think he has shown from the beginning that he can do this.

“He plays with confidence and even though he is 19-years-old he has played a few games. But now with the injury to Marcos [Senesi], he for sure will have to play more.

“It is not always easy to play as a defender in the Premier League, but I hope the young players can grow together and continue their development. The good thing for them is that they have room to improve.”