Newcastle urged to make €30m ‘unstoppable’ January transfer ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit

Kees Smit of AZ (left)(Image: EYE4images/NurPhoto)

Newcastle United are said to be monitoring the situation of Dutch teenage sensation Kees Smit and could make a January transfer move to steal a march on their rivals.

The 19-year-old Dutch youth international has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side this month and has made 21 appearances already this season for the Dutch side.

Smit emerged on the radar of English football fans with his performance against Crystal Palace in the Europa League earlier this month and he has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Newcastle could be an appealing move if they can offer Smit the promise of some first team game-time but they may need to move in January to steal a march on any rivals for his signature.

And given the Magpies have six first team midfielders, one of them would likely have to be moved on to accommodate a move for Smit, with Joe Willock being linked with a winter move to Crystal Palace this week.

So with that in mind, Chronicle Live has spoken to Dutch football expert Michael Bell, editor of Football Oranje, to get the inside track on the talented teenage midfielder.

What sort of player is Smit? What could Newcastle fans expect?

“Smit is actually a very versatile midfielder who can play deep in midfield but also as an 8 or even a 10. His passing and vision are outstanding and he loves to dribble forward with the ball.

“He creates tempo in the midfield and he is always aware of his team-mates around him, scanning the field for the perfect pass. He actually reminds me a bit of Frenkie de Jong in that aspect.

“Gets the ball to feet and plays it simple but can also pick out a team-mate with a defence-splitting ball or dribble past two or three opponents. For the AZ youth teams he scored a lot of goals and he is yet to really transfer this to the senior team.

“He usually gets the pre-assists rather than the goals or assists at the moment. However, once he adds goals and assists to his game he will be unstoppable.”

Could you explain to us how he has quickly become so highly sought after with his performances for AZ?

“He may have a growing reputation now outside of the Netherlands but inside he has been known about for years. Two years ago he was a big part of the AZ side that won the UEFA Youth League and last summer he was player of the tournament as the Netherlands won the U19 Euros.

“I think his performances at that tournament really made clubs stand up and notice. He broke fully into the AZ side this season and there have been a few outstanding performances but he is yet to really put down a marker as many expected.

“He is an outstanding talent and I’m not surprised that Newcastle are trying to get in there before a number of other clubs. Especially after he showcased his talent against Crystal Palace recently in the UEFA Conference League.”

What is the view in the Netherlands about his future and all the links with massive clubs? Are Newcastle viewed as a good move for his development?

“In the Netherlands he has a growing reputation and there have been constant links to Barcelona and Real Madrid. Newcastle will be seen as a more sensible option for the player who is not yet setting the Eredivisie on fire.”

Is Smit popular among his team-mates and AZ fans?

“Smit is very popular amongst the fan base as they have been aware of his strengths for years. They have waited for him to break into the first team and they would be gutted to see him go so soon.

“In terms of his team-mates there have been no bad words said about him and he works hard on the pitch and in training.

“There have been no issues mentioned personality wise. He seems to keep his head down and is very grounded.”

What sort of transfer fee would you envisage Newcastle needing to stump up to prise him away from Alkmaar?

“It would have to be a record fee to consider AZ to sell, especially mid-season, so you are looking at upwards of €25-30million.

“AZ aren’t in financial trouble and they also know that Troy Parrott will be bringing in a lot of money soon too. It would have to be too good to turn down.”