Man Utd leading the race for coveted teenager likened to De Bruyne & De Jong | OneFootball

Manchester United have made contact with the entourage of Kees Smit, who has emerged as a serious target for the club.

The Premier League giants are keen to bolster their midfield ranks in 2026. In recent months, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have been identified as the three main candidates for the role.

However, each of the three EPL stars would likely cost an astronomical transfer fee, and they might not be available before the summer.

Therefore, Man Utd have also been keeping tabs on other solutions, and one of them is Smit, who has been suggested as a low-cost alternative.

Man United open talks with Kees Smit

According to The Daily Briefing, United are among several clubs keeping tabs on the AZ Alkmaar teenager who has been likened to some of the biggest stars in football, including Kevin De Bruyne and Frenkie de Jong.

But while others have merely expressed their interest in the 19-year-old, Man United have made a concrete step by making first contact with the player and his entourage.

(Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

This latest update follows up on previous reports that had revealed Christopher Vivell’s great admiration for Smit’s talent. The Man Utd Head of Recruitment has been pitching the Dutch’s name in internal talks at Carrington.

Should United pursue Smit?

The Daily Briefing adds that Alkmaar realise they might not be able to hold on to the central midfielder for too long. Hence, they could be willing to accept January offers in the region of £25 million.

Nevertheless, before launching any onslaught on Smit or any other midfielder, Ruben Amorim must be fully convinced of the player. Otherwise, INEOS would be better off saving this sum for the summer, when the club will be able to pursue their main targets.