Bournemouth central defender Dean Huijsen is high on Chelsea 's transfer wishlist, according to reports this weekend.

Enzo Maresca is currently without two of his key defensive figures in Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, with indications the former could be out for the remainder of the season. In a bid to ease concerns in that position, Chelsea recalled academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

However, that hasn't stopped links with defenders emerging with over a week remaining in the transfer window. Huijsen, who is enjoying a stellar breakout season with Bournemouth following his move from Juventus last summer, is rumoured to be high on Chelsea's list of targets.

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That's according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says Chelsea really appreciate the 19-year-old, although Bayern Munich are also among the clubs monitoring him. La Liga giants Real Madrid have been credited with interest in the past, but have not been mentioned on this occasion.

Romano has also revealed that Huijsen has a release clause in his contract that will be valid from this summer. There is no indication at this stage what it is worth, but he was signed by Bournemouth for £12.8m and his deal runs until the summer of 2030.

This season, Huijsen has made 19 appearances for the Cherries across all competitions and 17 of those have come in the Premier League. He has started 12 league games and Bournemouth are unbeaten since he forced his way into the starting lineup at the beginning of December.

Bournemouth now sit seventh in the league table, level on 40 points with Chelsea. They are just a single point off top four and 13 behind league leaders Liverpool who they play next weekend at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was full of praise for Huijsen after the Cherries' win over Tottenham last month, saying: "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."