Liverpool Scout Kees Smit as Spurs Pursue Arthur Dias

Liverpool’s search for their next midfield pillar has taken them to the Netherlands, with 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar talent Kees Smit firmly under the microscope.

The Premier League side had scouts in place as Smit featured against Sunderland in the Europa League this week, with the Netherlands midfielder understood to be valued at around £51.5m. They were far from alone. Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also tracking the youngster, whose rapid rise in Alkmaar has made him one of the most-watched prospects in Europe.

United eye Branthwaite

Manchester United, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on a player much closer to home.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s form for Everton has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old England defender is being monitored as United continue to assess long-term options at centre-back, with his mix of size and composure fitting the profile they have been exploring.

Spurs lead chase for Arthur Dias

Tottenham’s recruitment drive at the back is pushing them towards Brazil.

Spurs are currently leading the race for 19-year-old Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias. The Brazilian is valued at around 30m euros and has drawn interest from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford, but Tottenham are understood to be at the front of the queue as they look to deepen their defensive options.

Balogun set for January exit

In France, Monaco have already signposted one of January’s big moves.

The club have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in the winter window. The 25-year-old had been close to joining Everton on deadline day before changing his mind, and Monaco are now prepared to cash in once the market reopens.

Chelsea prospect watched, Camara on radar

Across London, attention is turning to one of Chelsea’s emerging defenders.

Several European clubs are monitoring the situation of 20-year-old English defender Josh Acheampong at Stamford Bridge, with his development and pathway drawing interest from abroad.

Monaco have also opened the door to a possible deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara. The Senegal international could be allowed to move in January, with Liverpool and Chelsea both interested as they continue to reshape their midfields.

Real Madrid target Moroccan prodigy

In Spain, Real Madrid are preparing another move for a teenage talent.

The European champions are ready to go all out to sign 17-year-old Morocco midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, currently at Ajax. The youngster is viewed as one of the standout midfield prospects of his age group and fits Madrid’s aggressive strategy of stockpiling elite youth.

Newcastle revive Hegland pursuit

Newcastle United are not done in Scandinavia.

They are set to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland after the 22-year-old Norwegian turned down a move in the summer. With Newcastle still looking to add energy and depth in the middle of the pitch, Hegland is back on their list ahead of the next window.

Premier League trio track Weinhandl

Austria is providing another battleground for English clubs.

Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all monitoring Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl. The 17-year-old is valued at around £20m and has already done enough to convince top-flight scouts that he could be ready for a step up sooner rather than later.

Spurs weigh up Icardi move

Tottenham’s attacking plans could also take an experienced twist.

The club are considering a move for free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine forward left Galatasaray. Spurs would not be able to register the 33-year-old until January, but his name is firmly in the frame as they assess short-term attacking cover.

City and Liverpool circle Nmecha

At the top end of the market, a Bundesliga midfielder is drawing heavyweight attention.

Manchester City and Liverpool are both keen on Germany international Felix Nmecha. The 25-year-old, currently at Borussia Dortmund, is expected to command a fee in the region of 80-90m euros if he moves, setting up a potential bidding war between two of England’s most powerful clubs once the window opens again.