Newcastle United expected to miss out on priority target in January amid club's Champions League assault
Newcastle United look to be among the clubs likely to be disappointed by the news coming out of the Netherlands.
The Magpies have their eyes firmly set on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, and rumours have suggested that Newcastle would make their move in January in a bid to beat other clubs to the punch, with Newcastle expecting most clubs to wait until the summer before making a bid.
The 19-year-old is becoming highly coveted after bursting onto the scene with Alkmaar, and as a result, Newcastle are just one of many clubs with an eye on the youngster.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, Alkmaar are very aware of his popularity, and so too is the player himself, which adds an extra layer of complication to the matter.
Newcastle will have to be patient if they want to land Kees Smit
Even if Newcastle launch a January bid for Smit, The Telegraph believes that they will be disappointed.
AZ Alkmaar are mounting a serious challenge to get into the Champions League this season, sitting third in the Eredivisie. They are unlikely to sanction an exit for one of their best players while they feel they could achieve something great.
Equally, as we've said, they are very aware of the huge interest in the teenage sensation, and will be keen to maximise their revenue for the player, and the best way to do that is to hold on to him until the summer and wait for the inevitable bidding war.
We don't have much confidence in Newcastle winning the race for Kees Smit
It was always going to be a long shot for Newcastle to get the deal done in January. Even without Alkmaar's success this season, they were always going to be reluctant to let such a big player leave mid-season.
Equally, if other clubs are waiting until the summer to make their move, of course, Alkmaar are going to want to wait to see what could come from that.
It massively dents Newcastle's hopes of emerging victorious if a bidding war ensues, but that's the reality of competing for the best players. We suffered massively in the summer, and things aren't likely to change this summer.
