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 could set off a chain of movement that opens the door for Joe Willock to join Crystal Palace in January.

The Magpies believe the winter transfer window may be their best chance to secure him before interest intensifies in the summer (h/t the Telegraph).

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 need room in their budget to complete a deal, and Smit’s price means outgoing business may be required to satisfy financial rules.

Willock is the most realistic option 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.

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

Ramsey’s arrival last summer pushed him even further down the pecking order.

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

Howe’s reluctance to lose players mid-season is 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 aware that waiting until the summer could expose them to stronger competition.

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 ends Willock’s time in the north east.