Liverpool targets AZ talent Kees Smit while Real Madrid still hovers

While there was a slight expectation last summer that Kees Smit would leave AZ, the 20‑year‑old midfielder still continues to play for the Alkmaar side; at the same time interest from the Premier League is growing, with Liverpool as the most concrete candidate.

Spanish giants keep speculating

Among others, powerhouse Real Madrid has been linked to the midfielder several times, but there is no concrete offer yet. The Spanish club continues to monitor Smit's development, without having taken a definitive step so far.

English clubs intensify scouting

The English outlet reports that a large number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, have closely followed Smit this week. During a Europa League match against Sunderland, a group of scouts – from Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion – sat in the stands to observe the Dutch talents.

The 20‑year‑old Smit impressed, despite AZ's 1‑0 loss to Sunderland. His clever footwork and ability to draw fouls were praised by the Sunderland Echo: “He played good football between the lines.”

After the break Smit missed a narrow goal, guarded by Dutch international Robin Roefs. wrote: “He showed that AZ has more in its arsenal than just technical possession football.”

TEAMtalk states that Liverpool has had the Dutchman on its radar for a while and that the club may want to move in as early as January. The club would like to bring in a new midfielder midway through the season, but the price tag is estimated at around €60 million, which would require a hefty purse.

Although Real Madrid has not yet made a concrete offer, Smit's future now appears to be pointing more towards the Premier League, with Liverpool as the most likely destination.