Tottenham remain admirers of a Dutch midfield starlet, but Lilywhites may now face fresh competition for the player from a Premier League rival.
The headlines have been dominated by Tottenham’s pursuits of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes over the last week.
Spurs fans are certainly excited about the prospect of the Italian and Portuguese stars lining up together in a new-look midfield, with the Lilywhites seemingly willing to shatter their transfer record on the Newcastle and West Ham stars.
Over recent months, reports have also indicated that Tottenham are fans of another AZ Alkmaar midfield prodigy, who has emerged as one of the best young players in the Eredivisie over the last two seasons.
Newcastle leading race to land Tottenham target Kees Smit
The player in question is Kees Smit, who reportedly ranked fairly high on the Lilywhites’ wishlist at the start of the summer.
A new report in TEAMtalk has now confirmed that Spurs are long-time admirers of the 20-year-old and have ‘been approached regarding his availability’.
However, it is revealed that Newcastle United have now entered the race for Smit and have shot to the front of the queue. The Magpies have stepped up their pursuit to sign the Dutchman after he made it clear that he is open to a summer move.
Newcastle’s recruitment staff have been tracking the midfielder for an extended period, and they believe that his technical quality and intelligence in possession make him an ‘ideal fit’ for their system.
Newcastle’s move for Kees may open door for Spurs to sign Sandro Tonali
Newcastle’s entry into the race for Kees, who is valued at €60m (£52m), is not bad news for Spurs. In fact, it can help the Lilywhites achieve one of their main transfer objectives.
This is because TEAMtalk say that the Magpies have identified the Alkmaar starlet as a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is the subject of growing interest from Tottenham.
It was reported on Tuesday by Football Insider that Newcastle are also stepping up interest in Lamine Camara to replace Tonali, with the Italy international expected to seal a move away from St James’ Park.