Manchester United are eyeing up a blockbuster summer move to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to CaughtOffside, and they have two big advantages to beat their Premier League rivals to his signature.
On the pitch, Man United can all but guarantee their return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons with a win over Brentford on Monday night, if other results go their way over the weekend.
A remarkable run of form under caretaker boss Michael Carrick currently has the Red Devils favourites to end the season in third position, which is a remarkable rise given they finished 15th last term.
The 1-0 win Carrick delivered against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was crucial, and showed a good response to the worst game of his reign to date previously in the 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford.
It doesn’t look like that result will prove costly though, and United chiefs will know that the return of Champions League football to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ will not only provide a big boost to their finances, but could also improve the calibre of player they can bring to the club during the summer transfer window.
Man Utd Battling Premier League Clubs for Smit
According to CaughtOffside, United could face a battle against a number of top Premier League clubs for Smit’s signature.
Chelsea are said to view the 20-year-old as a long-term development project, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham also mentioned as having a passing interest in the Dutchman.
United are said to view him as being part of a wider midfield rebuild, with their priority being to find a top-class replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.
United want to add younger, technically-gifted players to their squad, according to the report, and Smit fits the bill given his exploits for AZ.
The youngster has five goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for AZ this term, and his ability to dictate play from deep, general intelligence and his confidence on the ball have caught the attention of scouts from Europe’s elite clubs.
The Dutchman is said to be valued at up to €80m (£70m) by his club side.
United Have Two Advantages Over Chelsea in Smit Race
Smit believes he is ready to test himself at the highest level after impressing with AZ, and he could do that in the Champions League with United on the verge of securing their spot in Europe’s elite club competition next season.
While Carrick and his side are close to achieving that goal, Chelsea have fallen away in recent weeks and will now rely on Callum McFarlane to boost their chances of sealing a top-five finish.
However, being seven points adrift with four games left to play, it is looking unlikely for the Blues.
Secondly, Smit’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who United know very well and have worked together with on transfers in recent years.
The Portuguese super-agent’s agency looks after both Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte, who have joined in recent seasons, meaning their relationship is strong when it comes to negotiations.