Newcastle United not keen on January transfer bid war as star target deal and fee truth revealed

Confidence a deal can be brokered for key target Kees Smit are fading fast at Newcastle United.

NewcastleWorld reported earlier this year the Magpies had the young Netherlands midfielder right at the top of the January transfer list, having made attempts to land him last summer.

However, despite putting in a lot of groundwork on a potential deal with AZ Alkmaar, Newcastle now believe chances of a deal to be unlikely.

Kees Smit interest grows as Newcastle United confidence fades

Smit has always been on the radar of a host of top teams across Europe, but that had never put United off their pursuit. It has, however, become apparent, his club AZ are hoping for a bidding war in the summer for the youngster. This is not something Newcastle are keen to enter, as they expect some real European heavyweights to enter the fray come May.

Reports have quoted a price tag at around £25million, however we understand the fee AZ want is much closer to £40million.

This is not thought to be an issue for Newcastle, but they understand their hopes at striking early, and beating off the competition, appear to be fading.

Ronald Koeman on Newcastle United and Real Madrid target Kees Smit

Speaking this week, the Netherlands boss said: “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value.”

The player has been compared to Barcelona midfielder Pedri. When asked about this, Koeman added: “The resemblance people see is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity.”

The truth about Newcastle United and any potential Elliot Anderson return

While Smit has very much been a target, England and Nottingham Forest star Anderson is less so.

Newcastle are obviously big fans of the player, head coach Eddie Howe recently said so, but there is an acceptance, NewcastleWorld understands, the Magpies are unlikely to be able to afford Anderson, when he inevitably leaves the City Ground.

Anderson prices have been quoted at £100m plus by many outlets, and as things stand, that is not a fee the club are in any position to pay. The likes of Manchester City and Manchester United will head up a list of suitors, should Anderson be allowed to depart in the not too distant future.

It’s understood the player, now an England regular, would jump at the opportunity to come back to St James’ Park, however the finances of any deal look to have severely lessened the chances of reunion.

Eddie Howe would ‘love’ Elliot Anderson return

Howe said: “From my perspective, I would love him too (return). I’m very respectful of the fact he is at another football club and I would never normally talk about a player in that way, so, I won’t change that stance.

“It is very regrettable that a player from the academy who had given so much… and the club had given so much too, the coaching staff, all those years here, and how people tried to develop those talents, for him not to be utilised here is a real shame.”

‘Mixed feelings’ - Eddie Howe on Elliot Anderson’s NUFC exit

Howe also took a swipe at the PSR regulations that forced Newcastle’s hand. He added: “Every time I watch him play, there are mixed feelings. It’s not on my mind every day, but there are certain moments.

“It doesn’t sit right with me that we, as a football club, had to make a decision that we didn’t want to make. It’s happened. We wish Elliot nothing but the best.”