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Manchester United have been linked with a swoop for the European ace
According to AS, Real Madrid and Barcelona are ahead of Premier League clubs in pursuit of AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit. Manchester United have been linked with a swoop for the player, as per The Sun. However, he is apparently keen to play in Spain over England for the warmer weather.
The Red Devils return to the action on Friday night. They face an away trip to AFC Bournemouth. Michael Carrick’s side beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford last time out.
Update regarding Manchester United target Kees Smit
United may have to look elsewhere for targets if Smit prefers a switch to either Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 20-year-old is under contract at AZ until June 2028. That means he still has a couple of years left to run down on his deal and they are under no pressure to sell him.
Smit, who is a Holland youth international, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and is highly rated. He has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season and has chipped in with four assists. He has been on the books at the AFAS Stadion for his whole career to date. The Heiloo-born man rose up through their academy and was a regular at various different youth levels before bursting into the first-team back in 2024.
AZ were pleased to keep hold of Smit in January. However, their resolve will be tested again later this year. It would be hard to turn down a call from a team like Real Madrid, Barcelona or United.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel earlier this year after Liverpool were credited with an interest: “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 (January) 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.”
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