Newcastle consider £25m January move to steal march on European giants - Report

January transfer rumours have started to ramp up over the last few weeks, with the winter window just six weeks away.

Although we've seen links to a few full-backs, a certain midfield sensation keeps being mentioned as an emerging target at Newcastle United.

That man is Kees Smit, with The Mail's Craig Hope, Sky Sports' Keith Downie and Luke Edwards of The Telegraph all confirming our interest in the AZ Alkmaar talent.

It's widely accepted that Newcastle will be battling a number of top clubs for the 19-year-old's signature, but it's interesting to see what Edwards has said on a potential early bid for the teenager in the New Year.

Writing for The Telegraph, he reveals that Eddie Howe will be backed this winter if the right deals emerge, and claims that Newcastle are considering a January bid for Smit in an attempt to beat European rivals to a deal.

With Barcelona, Ream Madrid and Bayern Munich all tracking the Dutchman ahead of a potential move next summer, Edwards reports that Newcastle 'could make a move in January' should Alkmaar be open to a mid-season sale.

A present, it's thought Smit could be available for around £25m, although it is not clear if Alkmaar will agree to a January transfer or wait until the summer, where a bidding war could commence.

But, with stiff competition likely and 'every top club in Europe' aware of the technical teenager, it could make sense to make an early move if the opportunity presents itself.

Edwards reports that Newcastle want to bring down the average age of our squad in 2026, with the club aware of a number of key players approaching their 30s, such as Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.