You can tell we are moving closer to the January transfer window, as another new link has emerged today on potential incoming business at St James’ Park.
We shared news of our ‘interest’ in Club Brugge talent Aleksandar Stankovic earlier today, but another highly-rated midfielder is now being tipped to arrive on Tyneside in Kees Smit.
This comes via The Mail’s Craig Hope, who reveals that Newcastle are pushing to land the 19-year-old Dutchman ahead of a number of European giants.
Currently at AZ Alkmaar, the technical midfielder has drawn comparisons to former Man City star Kevin De Bruyne and has been watched by Barcelona, Real Madrid Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
His contract expires in 2028 and Hope reports that a £20m fee may be enough to land the youngster, who has over 50 appearances for AZ and recently played in their Europa Conference League clash with Crystal Palace.
New sporting director Ross Wilson is eager to recruit some of Europe’s top talent with potential to improve under Eddie Howe, and it’s thought Newcastle are confident of beating rivals to a deal, with the offer of game time in the Premier League likely to appeal.
It’s not clear if this would be a January move or one we’ll pursue next summer, but with Joe Willock’s position in the squad under threat and Joelinton turning 30 next year, Howe may add some fresh legs to his three-man midfield.
Dutch boss Ronald Koeman recently compared Smit to Spanish sensation Pedri, having this to say on the AZ star:
“He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value. The resemblance people see (with Pedri) is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure.
“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. That is normal. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.”
Crystal Palace are also thought to be admirers of Smit, who stands just over six foot tall and is now a regular in the Dutch Under-21 side.
Our record is not good with young players we acquire is it Shola ?
Why would they choose here, either loaned out with no game time or not given a chance by Eddie.
Joseph(Quote)
Yes he is culpable as is Eddie for not trusting our academy players and only using them (Miley for instance) when we are on the bare bones of our arsenal due to injuries.
I seriously believe if we did not have that crisis at the time that Miley would have as much game time as A Murphy if not less.
It’s a myth that Eddie gives youth a chance otherwise some of the likes of Salia, Shahar, Neave, A Murphy, Harrison, Munda, Hernes and even Park Seung-soo would have had at least some involvement.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Jesus wept .. a bunch of that lot just been torned ower by Harrogate and you want ‘em in a PL first team 😂😂😂
GR(Quote)
I doubt his advisers would recommend newcastle given their disastrous decisions recently in managing loans .. he wants to play regularly and improve and is already playing European football and unless a clear pathway to the first team is in place he will go to
Palace or other clubs prepared to play him
Mike(Quote)
Agree with reply from GR , obviously not ready if can’t even beat Harrogate, but yes some of the on loan players have been let down by clubs that promised playing time which is why we are looking at getting some back! , also we have some strong players which makes it a big challenge to earn first team minutes for academy boys. The academy is getting stronger though & just need to get results to be properly considered! HWTL
Samuel Lubran(Quote)