Man Utd insider confirms Vivell pushing to sign ‘superior talent’ who plays like Pedri | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly registered their interest in coveted AZ Alkmaar teenage sensation Kees Smit.

The young Dutchman is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Eredivisie. After rising through the ranks of Alkmaar, he became a member of the senior team at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

The midfielder is now a regular starter for Marteen Martens’ side, and has also earned two senior caps for the Netherlands since the start of the season. His national team manager, Ronald Koeman, compared his playing style to Pedri, a player whom he had coached during his time at Barcelona, mainly because of his ability to turn away from his marker, as well as his vision and two-footedness.

Man United enter the fray for Keen Smit

Needless to say, Smit’s exploits have earned him a host of suitors across Europe, including the likes of Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

But according to Man Utd insider, Sully, the Red Devils have also joined the race for the young Dutchman.

In his latest update for Centre Devils, the reliable journalist revealed that United’s Head of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has already pitched Smit’s name during internal talks held at the club.

However, Sully insists that MUFC have yet to open talks with the player or his current employers. In any case, it remains too early to pull off any concrete moves at this stage, as the player is highly unlikely to leave Alkmaar in the middle of the campaign.

Smit is tied to the Dutch club with a contract valid until June 2028, and the asking price is in the region of £25 million.

Should MUFC pursue Smit?

Described as a ‘superior talent’, it’s not a surprise to see Man Utd tracking the young Netherlands international.

Moreover, the Red Devils are expected to ring the changes in the middle of the park, bringing in at least one new central midfielder.

At this stage, INEOS appears keen to land a Premier League-proven star, with Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson emerging as the three main targets. But based on his great promise, Smit could be an absolute bargain at £25 million, as the three aforementioned players would cost double, at the very least.