Newcastle United want to sign Kees Smit in January, but that will be easier said than done.
It has been reported that Newcastle United will move for Kees Smit in January, as they aim to land the Dutch midfielder ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The Magpies know that January is their best chance to sign the 19-year-old, but a move to St James’ Park does not appear to be likely at this stage.
It has been claimed that Smit is likely to stay at AZ Alkmaar, with a summer departure expected instead.
That means Newcastle United will either have to wait for their chance to bring in Smit, or turn to someone else.
How would you actually feel if Newcastle United DIDN’T sign a player in January?!
Newcastle United want Kevin Danois if they can’t sign Kees Smit
They could opt for the latter. Newcastle could target an alternative to Smit, and already have a player in mind.
That is according to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, who has revealed on YouTube that Kevin Danois is a midfielder who Newcastle could swoop for in January if Smit is unattainable.
“It’s an Auxerre midfielder, 21-years-old, called Kevin Danois,” he said.
“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.
“So there you go guys, Kevin Danois.”
The right-footed midfielder has made 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Auxerre this season, scoring once. He recently signed a contract extension with the French club, with Danois committed to Auxerre until the summer of 2029.
What a strike this is! Toon fans, what do you think about Newcastle’s newest target Kevin Danois?
Would he be a better signing than Kees Smit?
The reason why Newcastle United are looking at Kevin Danois and Kees Smit
It is clear that Newcastle United want to sign a centre-midfielder in January, with Smit and Danois firmly on sporting director Ross Wilson’s radar.
The club are looking to evolve the Newcastle United squad, with Hope adding that the Magpies’ interest in the likes of Smit and Danois is because Joe Willock could leave the club.
“Why are they looking at midfielders is the question on the back of that, given they play with three and they’ve got six,” he added.
“They have got quite a strong stable there. Joe Willock I think is somebody they would look to sell if the right offer came along.
“I think part of the reason he’s actually in the team now is motivated by giving him that platform to play so others can look at him.”
It has been reported that Newcastle are willing to sell Willock in January, which makes sense given his contract situation. His current deal runs until 2027, which means he either needs to be sold or given an extension in 2026.
Willock started Newcastle’s win over Burnley on Saturday and played well, at a time when he is attracting transfer interest from Crystal Palace.
A move to Crystal Palace could be good for Willock, but that will depend on whether the Eagles offer enough money for the 26-year-old. Newcastle paid Arsenal £25million for him in 2021.