AZ Alkmaar chief goes public on Newcastle United’s five-club £20m transfer tug-of-war
Newcastle United are interested in Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit to bolster their midfield options.
AZ Alkmaar general manager Merijn Zeeman has played down suggestions that Kees Smit will be on the move in January.
But in a telling slip of the tongue, he also hinted at being open to selling the wonderkid next summer. Newcastle United are understood to be keen on signing the 19-year-old - valued at £20million.
As reported by NewcastleWorld earlier this month, the Toon recruitment setup view Smit as an “attainable” transfer target. However, a breakout 18 months for AZ has seen the youngster - likened to Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne - attract rival interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
AZ Alkmaar chief goes public
Speaking to ESPN, AZ chief Zeeman confirmed there has been no concrete negotiations over Smit’s future. He does acknowledge that interest could ramp up at the end of the season.
"No, no, zero interest (as it stands),” he said when asked about Smit and fellow teammates Troy Parrott, Sven Mijnans and Mexx Meerdink. “I can honestly say that. Well, it's November, almost December. It seems pretty normal to me. Things will undoubtedly pick up after the summer, but right now it's still quiet.”
Newcastle United midfield stance
New sporting director Ross Wilson is keen to scour the continent for Europe’s best talents. Under Paul Mitchell’s stewardship, Newcastle pipped Barca and Madrid to Spanish prodigy Antonio Cordero earlier this year.
A trusted, strong midfield of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with Lewis Miley in reserve, is strong but, beyond that, United’s options are open for debate. Joe Willock has not looked the same player for several seasons and has been linked with Crystal Palace.
Jacob Ramsey arrived in the summer but is yet to find his feet in a Toon shirt. Smit would be viewed as a player Eddie Howe could nurture from raw potential to a seasoned Premier League operator.
‘Barcelona my favourite club’ - Kees Smit
Smit admitted during the recent international break that Barcelona are his favourite club. He said: “I wasn’t expecting it, but I think it’s a good comparison. Before, I was De Bruyne, and now I’m Pedri (laughs).
“Or Frenkie de Jong. I understand that people found it a rather strange comparison. I watch almost every Barcelona match. It’s simply my favourite club.”