Liverpool offered chance to sign Newcastle’s top £52m midfield target

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We look at reports that Liverpool have been offered Newcastle’s top £52m midfield target, analysing how the Dutch maestro fits into Andoni Iraola’s tactical plans and our definitive verdict on the deal. Liverpool are weighing up a move to hijack Newcastle United’s pursuit of highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as Andoni Iraola looks to continue his Anfield rebuild as the new Reds head coach.

Just this month, Liverpool acted swiftly to trigger Victor Munoz’s £34.5million release clause at Osasuna, directly beating Newcastle to the Spaniard’s signature which frustrated the Geordie fanbase. The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards claims that while Newcastle hold a long-term interest in Smit, they are not currently active in the race to sign him.

Iraola’s tactical profile fits the Dutch starlet If (which is a big if) AZ Alkmaar accept Smit’s desire to test himself in a stronger league but will demand a €60million (£52million) fee to sanction a sale. According to reports he Reds have also shortlisted Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga as options.