Newcastle United are now actively plotting a move to sign Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar this summer, with scouts blown away by the talented 22-year-old.
Why Newcastle are targeting midfield reinforcements
If last summer felt frantic last summer then the chaos is set to get that much worse for Newcastle fans 12 months later. The Magpies are on course to miss out on Champions League football and face the prospect of losing at least one big star as a result.
Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali Related
[Tonali replacement: Newcastle burst into race to sign Premier League "monster"](https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-eyeing-move-to-sign-man-utd-manuel-ugarte-desperate-to-leave/ "Tonali replacement: Newcastle burst into race to sign Premier League "monster"")
He could replace Sandro Tonali...
With SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) rules on their way, it's all about revenue for clubs in the Premier League and without Champions League football, Newcastle's could plummet with that aforementioned sale.
As things stand, it looks as though that sale could come courtesy of Sandro Tonali. The Italian has emerged as one of Manchester United's top midfield targets and even has a fan in Bruno Fernandes.
What's more, there have also been concerns about Bruno Guimaraes' future at the club. Losing Tonali would be a blow. Losing Guimaraes on top of that would be an unfathomable idea for Newcastle. But that's where Smit could rescue Eddie Howe.
Kees Smit could replace Sandro Tonali at Newcastle
After reports from Caught Offside revealed that Newcastle are plotting a move to sign Smit after completing their scouting mission, it's clear that he's a contender to replace Tonali.
The Dutchman has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne at Alkmaar, with his ability to dictate play reminiscent of the former Manchester City star.
League stats 25/26 Tonali Smit
Minutes 2,045 1,938
Chances Created 26 33
Tackles 29 34
Duels Won 90 91
Recoveries 123 122
The numbers suggest that Smit is about as close to Tonali as Newcastle can get and at just 20 years old, the only way is up. Whilst selling Tonali would be far from ideal, the Dutchman would arguably provide Howe with a long-term upgrade at the heart of his side.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit
Smit's ability to unlock backlines with his pinpoint passing range is also another reason why the De Bruyne comparisons have arrived and why he could reignite the spark in Newcastle's frontline.
The Magpies aren't alone in the race to sign the midfielder, but should make his arrival their priority this summer.
Newcastle injury news: Guimaraes set to miss Bournemouth
Newcastle are set to get a preview of what life might look like without Guimaraes this weekend following the news of his absence against Bournemouth. The Daily Mail's Craig Hope revealed the news that the midfielder is still suffering with mumps and a recovery from a hamstring injury.
Tonali and Lewis Miley will be fine to feature, however, and there's no denying that it's a must-win game for Howe and Newcastle following a disastrous couple of months.