Real Madrid are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit but are reportedly fearful they could miss out on the Dutch teenager. He is on Xabi Alonso's wishlist for the summer with the club not intending to do any business in January.
Smit is one of Europe's most promising midfield talents and is showing maturity beyond his years in the Eredivisie. He has made 28 appearances across competitions this season, posting two goals and five assists.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman sees similarities between Smit and Barcelona's Pedri. He gave a glowing verdict (via foot.mundo): “I coached Pedri at Barcelona and I see things of him in Kees Smit … The turns, the use of both feet, the vision — all of that is what I saw in Pedri back then.”
Smit looks likely to be sold in the summer and Madrid are keen especially Alonso who wanted a new creative midfielder last year. But they face competition from his signature.
Real Madrid set to be rivalled by Manchester United for Smit
Manchester United are also in the market for a new midfielder in the summer amid a disastrous end to Ruben Amorim's reign. The Red Devils have their sights set on the likes of Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
But Fichajes reported in November that United have registered their interest in Smit who is valued at €25 million. It's thought that AZ acknowledge they are likely to part with the player in the summer due to the growing interest.
If the Premier League giants make a concrete move for the Dutch starlet, it could mean trouble for Madrid. Los Blancos were looking to sign French defender Leny Yoro in the summer of 2024, but were beaten to the 20-year-old by United, who sealed a €62 million deal.
Madrid will have to deal with Jorge Mendes
To make matters worse, Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (via Defensa Central) reports that AZ have contacted Jorge Mendes to handle negotiations over the Netherlands U21 international.
Madrid are aware they will have to speak with Mendes who is likely to drive a hard bargain over Smit. The Portuguese super-agent, who was crucial in Cristiano Ronaldo's then world-record move to the Bernabeu in 2009, priortises financial gain over sporting projects.
If it were to come down to a two-horse race between the two European heavyweights, Mendes might try and push the player towards Old Trafford if there are more finances on offer. But United's current struggles make a move to the Premier League club less tempting.