The January window is still a few weeks away, but it seems like we may have already been dealt our first transfer setback.
After suggestions that Newcastle will make a ‘big play’ to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit, reports on Friday afternoon explain why a winter move to St James’ Park is looking unlikely.
Writing for The iPaper, Mark Douglas reveals that Chelsea are now showing strong interest in the 19-year-old midfielder, with growing interest from the Blues and other ‘big six’ rivals seeing Newcastle’s hopes fade.
Douglas reports that Chelsea has been in dialogue with the 19-year-old’s camp, while emerging interest from Spurs and Man Utd promises to complicate our attempts to sneak in early for the £25m-rated Dutchman.
Eddie Howe is thought to be a big fan of the teenage sensation, who has shone in the Netherlands, featured in Europe this season and been compared to Pedro by Dutch boss Ronald Koeman.
It’s unclear if Chelsea will launch a January bid or line up a deal that could see him arrive next summer, but Newcastle must now prepare a tempting sales pitch if they are to stand any chance of winning a fiercely contested race for his signature in 2026.
Speaking at a Q&A event for Mail Sport last week, Craig Hope suggested that Auxerre star Kevin Danois is one their radar and one to watch as an alternative should we fail to land Smit, saying:
“It’s an Auxerre midfielder, 21-years-old, called Kevin Danois. If they can’t get Kees Smit, Danois is one they could pivot to.
“21-year-old, playing for Auxerre, France Under-21 international. Really athletic, good on the ball. That’s the profile of player they are looking for.”