Newcastle’s interest in Kees Smit could trigger Crystal Palace switch for Willock in January | OneFootball

Newcastle United’s pursuit of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is gathering pace and could set off a chain of movement that opens the door for Joe Willock to join Crystal Palace in January.

Smit has emerged as one of Europe’s most admired young midfielders and Newcastle believe January may be their best chance to secure him before interest intensifies in the summer.

The 19-year-old is tracked by several leading clubs but is understood to be open to the move if the pathway to first-team minutes is made clear.

That condition places pressure on Newcastle to create space in a midfield group that already includes Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley and Willock.

Newcastle also need room in their budget to complete a January deal and Smit’s price means outgoing business may be required to satisfy profitability and sustainability rules.

Willock has become the most realistic player to make way because he has fallen down the pecking order and still carries a resale value attractive enough to help fund the Smit move.

Crystal Palace have been monitoring Willock’s situation since the start of the season and believe January could be the moment to bring him back to London.

Willock was once a core part of Eddie Howe’s midfield but injuries and inconsistent form over the past 18 months have reduced his involvement.

The arrival of Ramsey in the summer pushed him even further from regular starts and he has recently found himself competing for occasional minutes behind a crowded midfield unit.

Newcastle paid around £21m to sign him from Arsenal and would look to recover a similar fee if they decide to sacrifice him to unlock the Smit transfer.

Howe’s reluctance to lose players mid-season remains a factor, but the club’s long-term planning is shifting towards reducing the squad’s average age and targeting players with higher long-term ceilings.

Smit fits that profile perfectly after impressing in the Eredivisie and in Europe, and Newcastle are increasingly aware that waiting until the summer could expose them to far stronger competition.

That urgency strengthens the likelihood that a major outgoing midfielder will be required if Newcastle want to move decisively in January.

Willock’s start in yesterday’s Champions League loss against Marseille showcased his qualities but is unlikely to alter the broader assessment of his position in the squad.

Palace are ready to act quickly if Newcastle signal a willingness to sell, and the Smit deal could become the trigger that brings Willock’s time on Tyneside to an end.