Tottenham Hotspur have just learned that they have competition from three European giants to land a highly-rated Dutchman this summer.
Spurs strengthened their midfield in January through the addition of Conor Gallagher, but it was reported that Tottenham were also looking for a creative passer in the middle of the park.
While the Lilywhites did not manage to find such a player, one would expect them to prioritise that profile in the summer, particularly given reports that Spurs are planning for an ambitious rebuild in the next transfer window.
Over the last few months, multiple sources have suggested that Tottenham are fans of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, who has emerged as one of the best young talents in the Eredivisie over the last 18 months.
Two Premier League giants overtake Tottenham in race for Kees Smit
Fichajes have now revealed that Smit is set to become one of the most sought-after young players of the summer transfer window, with two Premier League giants entering the race.
Arsenal and Liverpool have both ‘taken the lead in the frantic race’ to sign the 19-year-old, who is continuing to win admirers with his performances in the Dutch top flight.
Both Mikel Areta and Arne Slot believe that Smit’s profile would be a perfect fit for their high-intensity style of play, and both clubs are taking an ‘aggressive approach’ to landing the player.
It is revealed that AZ will not entertain any offer below €60m (£52.3m) for the central midfielder, while a bidding war could push their asking price as high as €75m (£65.4m).
Real Madrid are also watching Spurs target Smit
Spurs may not just have to overcome competition from the two Premier League giants, with Fichajes claiming that Smit is also on Real Madrid’s radar.
Los Blancos are ‘coldly analysing’ whether to enter the bidding war for the Netherlands U21 international as the two English giants ‘accelerate their negotiation’.
While the Madrid board values the teenager’s tactical maturity and has monitored his progress for a long time, they may want to ‘avoid an exorbitant fee’ for the midfielder.