Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have all held talks over a potential move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit this summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in European football after a breakout season in the Eredivisie.
Smit registered five goals and eight assists across 40 appearances in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar last season.
He also played a key role in helping his side qualify for the Europa League by winning the domestic cup competition.
His performances earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad during the March international break, though Ronald Koeman did not include him in the World Cup squad.
AZ Alkmaar are reportedly keen to hold onto Smit for at least one more season, with his current contract running until 2028.
However, if the Dutch club are forced to sell before the September 1st transfer deadline, they have placed a £52m price tag on the midfielder.
Newcastle United are currently considered the frontrunners in the race, with Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Fulham also having held talks over a potential move.
The competition does not stop there, as Real Madrid, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, and AS Monaco are all monitoring the situation closely.
Liverpool’s interest comes as newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola considers bolstering his midfield options ahead of the upcoming season.
Smit is described as a technically gifted player who is comfortable operating as a deep-lying playmaker, in a box-to-box role, or as a creative midfielder.
His versatility across multiple midfield positions makes him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to add depth and quality to their squads.
With so many elite clubs involved, the battle to secure Smit’s signature is set to become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer window.