Newcastle United are set to battle several European giants for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to a report from the [Daily Mail’s Craig Hope](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15287483/Newcastle-Dutch-AZ-Alkmaar-wonderkid-Barcelona-Pedri.html).
Hope wrote that “Newcastle are ready to compete with Europe’s top clubs for AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit.”
The 19-year-old has been compared to Barcelona’s Pedri by Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich among the clubs tracking him.
“There is a feeling in the Netherlands he will leave AZ next year,” Hope reported. “A fee of around £20million has been mooted.”
Despite strong interest from abroad, Newcastle hope “to push their way to the front of the queue,” banking on the promise of more immediate first-team football, per Hope.
“Daily Mail Sport understands the Magpies are big admirers of Smit and new sporting director Ross Wilson is keen to identify the continent’s best young players with scope for development,” Hope wrote.
With Eddie Howe’s side seeking to strengthen their midfield, especially after inconsistent seasons from Joelinton and Joe Willock, the position “is an area Newcastle are looking to strengthen beyond this season and possibly as soon as January.” Hope also noted “a slight doubt over the long-term future of Sandro Tonali.”
Smit, described as “technically gifted with an ability to play through the lines,” has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne in his home country.
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* [Newcastle United Transfer News & Rumors](/newcastle-united-transfer-news-rumors)