Liverpool in race to sign Newcastle target who Arne Slot has the ‘inside track’ on
Liverpool have joined Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in their pursuit of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Arne Slot‘s side are one of multiple tracking the 19-year-old’s progress.
Alongside a host of Premier League clubs, Smit has attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as other European giants, such is the talent he possesses.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders since the summer window, including the likes of Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, but Smit is now on their radar.
The AZ Alkmaar product is expected to cost significantly less than his more high-profile competitors, with a price tag of around £22million widely mentioned.
Liverpool plot move to sign AZ star Kees Smit
Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace are “confident” of signing Smit despite interest in his signature from their big-name European rivals.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Liverpool have now joined those keeping tabs on his situation.
“He’s exactly the type of player Liverpool will be looking at,” he told Football Insider.
“Clubs in England are always keeping close tabs on the Dutch league, they’ll cover it extensively, and especially Liverpool with the manager’s links over there.
“So I have no doubts they will have been watching Smit and keeping tabs on his performances.
“He’s very highly rated and there are a lot of teams watching him, and they will have been impressed with his performance against Palace in the Conference League.
“Even before that game, these clubs knew about him, and they’ll know all about what he can do.
“He was able to show that against Palace, a very good Premier League side, so that will be another boost in terms of figuring out how he would adapt.
“Liverpool are always looking to bring in these type of young players who can develop in their side and eventually become key, so he would very much fit that bill.”
This comes after Crystal Palace were wowed by Smit’s performance during their 3-1 Conference League win against AZ at Selhurst Park earlier this month.
Newcastle leading race to sign Smit in January
Despite interest in Smit from some of the biggest clubs around Europe ahead of the January transfer window, Newcastle have been tipped among the favourites.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 19 November that Smit wants to join Newcastle and they are currently his preferred destination.
Eddie Howe has been keen to bolster his midfield options in the mid-season window amid concerns about the depth behind his current starting trio.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 10 November that Newcastle are considering replacing Joelinton as a result of his inconsistent performances so far this season.
Football Insider revealed on 8 November that Newcastle have no plans to sell Joelinton, but his form is becoming a concern with alternatives now in mind.
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