While the defence has been focus number one with regards to Liverpool this window, Kees Smit is a player whose name has continued to pop up.
With deadline day fast approaching, Liverpool need to start getting their ducks in a row.
Priority number one is to lure Lutsharel Geertruida from Sunderland and shore up a defence that has been pummelled by injuries.
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Talks are underway!
Lutsharel Geertruida and Arne Slot discuss something on the touchline during the Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven at De Kuip (Credit: Getty Images/ANP).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/ANP
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Another Dutchman, Kees Smit, has been linked to Liverpool since late last year. His future is unclear with plenty of European interest — that is, until Fabrizio Romano’s Sunday afternoon update.
Fabrizio Romano shares when Kees Smit could sign for Liverpool
Usually, last-minute business in the window runs a considerable risk.
We saw it in the summer with Marc Guehi, and we’re seeing it now with Geertruida and Jeremy Jacquet.
In the case of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Smit, it’s unlikely anyone will be getting a rushed deadline deal done for the 20-year-old. Instead, a mad summer race is in store, with Liverpool at the heart of it.
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As Romano revealed to his YouTube channel: “Then many questions, Kees Smit and Liverpool. Guys, there are all the big clubs in England on Kees Smit and also Spain, including Real Madrid and not only them. So it’s going to be a big battle for Kees Smit, but not for this window. The deal is expected to happen in the summer.
“If something changes guys, I will be here to tell you. But my expectation is not for any changes in this window for Kees Smit, he is a story for the summer, and it’s going to be huge with Jorge Mendes as the agent controlling that.”
Who is Kees Smit?
Name: Kees Smit
Age: 19
Club: AZ Alkmaar
Position: Central midfield/Defensive midfield
Senior appearances: 50
Senior goals: 4
Nationality: Dutch
Kees Smit applauds fans after AZ Alkmaar's Eredivisie match against PSV Eindhoven
Photo by Wart Brinkerhof/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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Liverpool and Real Madrid are most closely linked with the Dutchman, but that will be one for the end of the season, and there will be fierce competition for his services.
Liverpool all on defence for deadline day
Romano was very much focused on Liverpool with this transfer round-up.
He explained the situation with Liverpool and Geertruida, while also telling us that it’s Liverpool vs Chelsea for Jacquet with Bayern out of the picture.
Lutsharel Geertruida pictured playing for the Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
The talks over Denzel Dumfries have stalled, with Inter Milan wanting a full sale or nothing.
It’s set to be a wild final 24 hours. Hopefully, at least one defender can be signed.
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