January transfer talk is starting to pick up, and it looks like there is the potential for one in, one out this winter.
As reported yesterday, it’s believed Crystal Palace are now showing interest in Joe Willock, although it will take at least £20m AND a replacement signing to sanction his sale.
On that note, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports that Willock’s potential sale could open the door to a January move for AZ Alkmaar talent Kees Smit.
Newcastle have received encouragement that the 19-year-old is ‘keen’ on a move to St James’ Park, which could prompt Toon chiefs to make their move.
Crucially, it’s also widely accepted that the January window may be our one and only chance to sign the Dutchman, with a number of European giants expected to fight for his signature next summer.
With that in mind, Newcastle may look to cash in on Willock in the New Year, as this would open up a squad space and release funds to potentially sign Smit, who is considered one of the top young midfielders in Europe.
Edwards reports that Smit will only move to Newcastle if he’s given assurances over first-team minutes, which is understandable given the level of interest and his regular outings in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League this season.
With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all watching the teenage talent likened to Pedro by Dutch boss Roland Koeman, it could be a superb piece of business in January if losing Willock allowed us to land Smit.
I wish we would go down the route that Enrique has at PSG and put our faith in our own academy but alas Eddie isn’t brave enough and the only time he’s played them is in a injury crisis.
We have assembled a really good bunch at the academy and you just have to see how well our u18s are doing compared to previous seasons to see how far they have come.
I’m not saying we should throw a bunch in but we do imo have 4 or 5 who could step up and at least get the odd game in fact 2 of them could have come in and covered lb and rb recently.
People have been saying that Eddie has a path way to the first team for these lads I say rubbish the one and only player that has made the transition did so in a massive injury crisis and since that ended we’ve hardly seen him yet here we are being linked with a player that plays CM just like Miley.
You couldn’t make it up.
He brave Eddie and give the kids a chance.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)