Newcastle United ready to replace Joe Willock with Kees Smit as Crystal Palace eye Magpies star | OneFootball

Newcastle United could part with Joe Willock in January if manager Eddie Howe can bring in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as his replacement, according to the Telegraph.

Crystal Palace want to lure the 26-year-old from St James’ Park in the winter transfer window, and Newcastle could be willing to sell him for the right price.

Willock started for the Magpies in their 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League last night, but he remains a back-up option for Howe.

He has started three games this term in eight appearances across all competitions, and Palace believe he could be open to a move after recent struggles at Newcastle.

Willock cost the Toons £21 million when they signed him in August 2021 after a six-month loan from Arsenal, and a similar fee from the Eagles could tempt them to part with him.

Newcastle want Smit and he is open to the move. However, he will only move to Newcastle if he is guaranteed regular opportunities.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has compared him to Barcelona midfielder Pedri due to his brilliance, and signing him would be huge for Newcastle.

Smit has weighed in with two goals and two assists in 12 Eredivisie games this term and has attracted Europe’s top clubs with his performances.

The Magpies need to strengthen their squad in January, given their inconsistencies in the Premier League this term.

They have yet to win back-to-back league games this season and will need some quality additions if they want to end the season with silverware and qualify for the Champions League.