Newcastle United are looking to bolster their midfield options and have identified 'the Dutch Pedri' as a target.
The Magpies are looking to strengthen their squad with a view to signing young, up-and-coming talent who can shine at the highest level in the years to come.
While Eddie Howe's side are quite a pull in football, the competition from the Premier League's other huge club means that completing deals for the hottest young stars could prove difficult.
That's certainly proving to be the case with one young midfielder who is on Newcastle's hitlist as the club prepare for the January transfer window.
Newcastle Eye Deal For Kees Smit
Kees Smit
Newcastle United are keen to complete a deal to sign AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit. According to The Independent, the Magpies see him as an ideal long-term addition to Eddie Howe's side.
Despite tracking him since last term, the Tynesiders could face a battle The Independent to secure his services with Chelsea also interested. The Blues have already opened talks with the 19-year-old midfielder's representatives, even though formal talks haven't yet materialised.
Hailed as 'the Dutch Pedri', AZ Alkmaar value the player at £25million after scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 54 games for the Dutch side.
Eddie Howe's Side Must Pip Rivals To Signature
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match vs Everton
Completing a deal to sign Smit is hugely important for Newcastle United. Okay, the 19-year-old is someone who would take some time to adapt to life at St James' Park before becoming a first team star, but attracting a signing like this would be a huge statement.
Newcastle are in an awkward position where they're on the cusp of breaking into the Premier League's elite. If they're to do that though, they need to find a way of competing with the typical big guns in Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
In order to do that, they need to ensure that they are rivaling these clubs to best players around and beating them to their signatures. That's the only way that Howe's side will make up that ground and become a side who can genuinely challenge at the top end of the Premier League.
If they continue to lose out to sides like Chelsea, the gap between "the top four" and the Magpies will continue to grow.
There's no doubt that Newcastle are capable of pushing into that group, but completing signings like this will be essential in ensuring that they do so.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe in the dugout Related
Luke Edwards: Newcastle Ready to Bid for £120m+ Duo After Source Reveal
Newcastle United are ready to make themselves a force to be reckoned with after flirting with Champions League qualification for the past three years