Newcastle could sign Kevin Danois if top target doesn’t arrive - Report

It’s the worst kept secret in terms of our transfer links, but it’s looking very likely we’ll try and sign a young midfielder in the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe, Ross Wilson and the recruitment team have cast a wide net across Europe and even South America to try and find their next star, who we can expect to be a long term option as Joelinton edges closer to 30-years-old and Joe Willock is linked with a move.

The leading candidate right now appears to be AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit, who is already attracting plenty of suitors across the continent and will cost in the region of £30m to bring to Tyneside.

But a fresh report hints that if we can’t sign Smit, or the Dutchman opts for a move elsewhere, then we’ve identified a potential backup…

Danois interest revealed

According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Auxerre and France U-21 star Kevin Danois is being eyed up as an option should we be unable to sign Smit in the coming windows.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope highlights how Danois meets the ideal criteria for what we’re look in for in a midfielder: athletic, good on the ball, and with tremendous potential:

“It’s an Auxerre midfielder, 21-years-old, called Kevin Danois. 

“If they can’t get Kees Smit, Danois is one they could pivot to. 21-year-old, playing for Auxerre, France Under-21 international.

Really athletic, good on the ball. That’s the profile of player they are looking for. So there you go guys, Kevin Danois.”

He’s worked his way up through Auxerre’s system in the last few seasons, playing a key part in their promotion to Ligue 1 back in the 2023/24 campaign, and has fought back from some injury concerns to become a routine starter in the top flight.

The Frenchman was subject to a failed bid by Premier League rivals Bournemouth this past summer, where Auxerre rejected an offer worth approximately £9.3m from the Cherries.

Other factors could play part in Danois signing

Howe has made it very clear in the past that he prefers a three man midfield, with backups and depth an absolute necessity.

Right now, the core trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are backed up by Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, which doesn’t leave much room for another midfield signing to be made without some big changes.

Willock has been linked with a move away by the end of the season, with Crystal Palace highlighted as a potential suitor. The former Arsenal man’s departure could very well facilitate the move for a player like Smit or Danois.

However, one has to question what this would do to Lewis Miley: the 19-year-old is still younger than both European talents, and has proven time and time again that when handed the minutes by Howe, he can deliver. So it would be a shame if another midfielder came in and reduced his route to minutes.