Liverpool Track Kees Smit as Premier League Clubs Circle Emerging Talent

Liverpool’s scouting network has fixed its gaze on one of the Eredivisie’s brightest young midfielders, with 20-year-old Kees Smit drawing serious attention after his latest European outing.

The Netherlands youth international, rated at around £51.5m, was closely watched by Liverpool during AZ Alkmaar’s Europa League clash with Sunderland this week, according to Teamtalk. The Anfield club were not alone. Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also had eyes on the AZ playmaker, underlining how quickly his stock is rising across Europe.

United eye Branthwaite as defensive option

At Old Trafford, Manchester United are keeping tabs on a defender much closer to home.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s performances for Everton have not gone unnoticed. The 24-year-old England centre-back is being monitored by United, report Football Insider, as the club continues to weigh up long-term options at the heart of their defence.

Tottenham push for Arthur Dias, weigh Icardi move

Tottenham’s recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing.

The north London club are leading the chase for 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias of Athletico Paranaense. Teamtalk report that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also tracking the teenager, who is valued at around 30m euros, but Spurs currently hold the strongest position in the race.

Spurs are also looking at the opposite end of the age and experience spectrum. Free agent Mauro Icardi is under consideration after leaving Galatasaray, according to the Express. Any deal for the 33-year-old Argentine striker would come with a delay, though: Tottenham would not be able to register him until January.

Balogun set for Monaco exit

In Ligue 1, Monaco are preparing for a significant change in attack.

The club have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January, report the Standard. The 25-year-old had been close to joining Everton on deadline day before changing his mind, and now appears set to move on when the window reopens.

Monaco open door to Camara sale

Balogun may not be the only departure.

Monaco have admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be on the table in January. The Senegal international has drawn interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea, according to the Standard, with the principality club accepting that a winter move is possible if the right offer arrives.

Chelsea prospect Acheampong draws European interest

While Chelsea continue to chase new faces, one of their own prospects is attracting attention from abroad.

Several European clubs are monitoring the situation of 20-year-old English defender Josh Acheampong at Stamford Bridge, report AS. His next step could become another subplot in a busy January window for the London club.

Real Madrid move for Abdellah Ouazane

In Spain, Real Madrid are preparing another youth-focused swoop.

Fichajes report that the European giants are ready to go all out to sign 17-year-old Morocco midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, currently at Ajax. Madrid’s pursuit of the teenager underlines their ongoing strategy of aggressively targeting emerging talent across the continent.

Newcastle revive Hegland pursuit

Newcastle United are not finished with a target they missed in the summer.

The club are set to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland, according to Football Insider. The 22-year-old Norwegian opted against a move in the last window, but Newcastle are expected to return to the table as they look to deepen their midfield options.

Arsenal, Brighton and Villa chase Weinhandl

In Austria, another teenager is catching Premier League eyes.

Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl, 17, is being tracked by Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, say Teamtalk. The Austrian is valued at around £20m, a significant figure for a player yet to make the leap to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

City and Liverpool battle for Nmecha

At the top end of the market, a heavyweight tug-of-war could be brewing in Germany.

Manchester City and Liverpool are both keen on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, report Fussball News. The 25-year-old Germany international would not come cheap: Dortmund are expected to demand between 80m and 90m euros.

From teenage prospects in Austria and the Netherlands to established internationals in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, the outlines of a frantic January window are already taking shape.