Tottenham now keen to sign ‘crown jewel’ midfielder who Johan Lange has been watching for months

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Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are among the sides chasing young Dutch star Kees Smit, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.

Smit was the focal point of the Netherlands U21 side that lifted a European title for the first time in their history in June, being named Player of the Tournament.

19-year-old Smit made his breakthrough for AZ Alkmaar last season, featuring 43 times in all competitions.

The Dutchman can play anywhere in midfield and is regarded as one of the ‘crown jewels’ of Dutch football according to chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Therefore, AZ face a battle to keep hold of the talented midfielder this summer, and Tottenham and Chelsea are at the front of the queue.

Tottenham and Chelsea are both keen on AZ talent Kees Smit

That being said, sources have confirmed to TBR Football that the next chapter of Smit’s career could take place in England. 

The youngster has a contract with Alkmaar until 2028, but interest is mounting in the midfielder across the continent.

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Spanish giants Real Madrid are already alert to Smit’s situation, as are Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille.

But it’s understood that both Spurs and Chelsea have been following Smit closely for months, a player who has kept the likes of Tottenham technical director Johan Lange very busy.

Both London clubs were in Romania to keep checks on Smit at the U19 Euros and they would have certainly not been disappointed with his displays.

But Spurs and Chelsea are not alone, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United are all also understood to be keeping tabs on Smit’s situation.

Kees Smit responds to transfer interest around Europe

Speaking to Ziggo Sport recently after winning the U19 tournament mentioned, Smit joked that he might have added a bit more money to his price tag this summer.

It was put to Smit that he might cost around €25m this summer, and Smit jovially replied: “Well, more, I think. Maybe five or 10 million more.”

And after pressed further on his future, Smit gave a very measured response, “I read a lot of things and see big clubs passing by, that’s cool. 

“I have to think carefully about what I’m going to do, but I think I’ll stay at AZ.

“The most important thing is that I play football as much as possible, play, get better. Because I can still be a lot better.”

And it remains to be seen if Tottenham or Chelsea will take their interest one step further with a bid.