Newcastle Targets AZ's Kees Smit for Midfield Reinforcement

Newcastle United are preparing to bolster their midfield options in the January transfer window, with scouts targeting AZ Alkmaar's promising 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit amid the club's challenging start to the Premier League season.

The Magpies, who sit 14th in the table after securing just three wins from their opening 11 matches, have identified Smit as a potential creative addition to Eddie Howe's squad. The teenager, who has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after young talents, has drawn interest from elite clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman recently praised Smit's technical gifts, comparing him to Barcelona's Pedri for his awareness in tight spaces and decision-making under pressure. Smit, who earned his first senior call-up to the Oranje this month, has made 19 appearances for AZ this season, contributing two goals and four assists. His ability to play between the lines and link midfield to attack has led to comparisons with Kevin De Bruyne in his homeland.

Newcastle's interest in Smit aligns with Howe's efforts to address midfield inconsistencies, particularly as...