Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on landing AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit, but the latest update regarding the midfielder’s future suggests that it will be a very difficult deal for Roberto De Zerbi’s men to complete.
Spurs boast of some excellent young midfielders in their ranks, with big things expected out of the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
However, it appears that the Lilywhites want to add another exciting young central midfielder to their squad ahead of the summer.
According to reports, Tottenham are fans of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, who has emerged as one of the best young players in the Eredivisie over the last two seasons.
Tottenham may have to battle four other Premier League clubs for Kees Smit
CaughtOffside have now claimed that the 20-year-old’s confidence on the ball and his ability to control the tempo of matches have attracted the attention of scouts across the Premier League.
The report reveals Tottenham have observed Smit’s progress this season, but their pursuit is expected to be hard as several other top Premier League clubs are also circling over the youngster.
Chelsea are believed to view the midfielder as part of their long-term project, while Man United are also set to make a move for the Dutchman as they eye rebuilding their midfield.
In addition, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been mooted as potential destinations for Smit, with both clubs scouring the market for midfielders who are comfortable on the ball.
Alkmaar expected to demand a Dutch record fee for Smit
The interest in the Alkmaar man is not restricted to the Premier League, with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on the player.
Smit’s future is expected to be ‘one of the defining stories’ of the summer window as clubs scramble to secure the young starlet.
Super agent Jorge Mendes has been tasked by Alkmaar to manage negotiations for the Netherlands international, with the Eredivisie club hoping to raise somewhere between €60m (£52m) and €80m (£69.3m) from his sale.
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