Tottenham Hotspur scouts make the trip up north to run the rule over a young midfielder who has been on their radar for a while.
Even though Spurs spent big in the summer and made wholesale changes to the squad, some fans will feel that the January window cannot come quick enough.
The first month of the Premier League season has shown that there are holes in this Tottenham squad, particularly in attack, with the Lilywhites struggling for goals.
However, it has now emerged that the North Londoners may also be considering a move for a highly-rated Dutch midfield starlet in January.
Tottenham scouts watch Kees Smit in action against Sunderland
According to TEAMtalk, scouts from Tottenham made the trip to the Stadium of Light to watch AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit in action against Sunderland in the Europa League.
The Premier League side emerged 1-0 winners against AZ, who have made a solid start to the season, with Smit being the driving force for the Eredivisie side at the start of the campaign.
The 20-year-old’s impressive start to the campaign has not only attracted the attention of Roberto De Zerbi’s side but also several other English clubs.
Spurs’ scouts were joined by representatives from Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton, who all made the trip to the North East to watch the midfielder play.
Liverpool leading the race to land Smit
Additionally, Liverpool, who are long-term admirers of the AZ starlet, also sent their officials to watch Smit in action against the Premier League side.
The Reds are said to be ‘front and centre’ of the race to land Smit, as Andoni Iraola’s side look to bolster their midfield department.
It is revealed that Liverpool are now considering making a move for the Netherlands international in January, with the young midfielder thought to be valued at around €60m (£51.5m).