Newcastle United transfers: AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has once again commented on his future following interest from Newcastle.
Newcastle United transfer target Kees Smit believes he will leave AZ Alkmaar and join a new club in the summer transfer window.
The Gazette understands Newcastle remain big admirers of the 20-year-old midfielder, who has also attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
The Magpies toyed with the idea of signing Smit in January, as it was believed it would give them a better chance of landing the Dutch technician before the big guns circle in the summer. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been credited with an interest in Smit, while Liverpool have also been linked.
NUFC sources on potential Smit transfer
While Newcastle are already looking to bolster their midfield this summer and could be forced to further with the recent speculation surrounding the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in particular.
Smit has been scouted by Newcastle and valued at around £25million by the club. But that is some way short of Alkmaar’s valuation with the Magpies now expecting to be priced out of a summer move.
One club source told The Gazette that a move for Smit ‘won’t happen’ despite the player’s clear intention to secure a transfer at the end of the season.
Kees Smit on AZ Alkmaar future after NUFC transfer interest
Speaking to Dutch media, Smit isn’t sure where his future lies, but is confident he will leave AZ at the end of the season.
“I don’t see that happening,” he said when asked whether he could stay in Alkmaar. “In principle, I want to play a lot, that is the most important thing for me. I don’t know yet what the ideal step is.
“When I do know, I will announce it. These are absurd amounts [of money] you hear being mentioned… I think so myself too. I can see it all clearly. And so can you.”
It is understood that the club have already agreed to sell Smit this summer, but his potential destination is not yet known.
Kees Smit on his ideal transfer move
Smit has previously commented on his love for Barcelona, citing a preference to play in La Liga. He said: "I love watching Barcelona so much. I grew up following Andrés Iniesta & Lionel Messi and they are my role models. I watch all of Barcelona’s matches, it's my favourite team.”
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