Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a young Dutch starlet just got a lot harder as two European giants are now battling it out for his signature.
Spurs reportedly explored signing a creative midfield passer in January after adding Conor Gallagher to their squad.
Having failed to do so, they may reignite their pursuit in the summer, and one young Eredivisie star was allegedly part of their wishlist.
According to reports, Tottenham are fans of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, but it has emerged over recent weeks that Liverpool are also eyeing a move for the £52m-rated Smit.
Real Madrid enter race for Tottenham target Kees Smit
The 20-year-old is continuing to deliver outstanding performances for AZ, and according to Defensa Central, his displays have attracted the attention of Real Madrid.
Los Blancos see the youngster as having ‘great potential’ and have been tracking him for several months now, with the player ‘highly regarded’ by the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy.
It is revealed that Madrid’s pursuit of Smit will not be easy, as PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are also closely tracking the youngster.
However, it is another Premier League giant that has stolen a march on the La Liga giant in the race for the midfielder.
Liverpool are leading the race for Smit
Defensa Central say that Liverpool ‘may beat Madrid to the punch’ to a summer deal for the Netherlands U21 international.
The Reds have already made initial contact over a deal for Smit and have been in talks with him and his representatives.
Liverpool are aware that their ‘toughest rival’ in the race for the AZ starlet is Madrid and are thus keen to finalise an agreement as quickly as possible for the player.