Newcastle not convinced Kees Smit wants to sign - Luke Edwards

Newcastle United have been linked again with a move for Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit amid reports that Sandro Tonali is heading for the St James' Park exit.

At the back end of last year, Newcastle were strongly linked with AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. It was suggested that Newcastle would make their move in January to try to gazump other clubs.

There are thought to be many clubs eyeing the 20-year-old, and as such, Smit and Alkmaar opted to wait until the summer before making any decisions on his future.

While we expected a melee for his signature as soon as the summer came around, it has been very quiet on the Smit front until the last few days.

Newcastle aren't convinced Kees Smit wants to move to Tyneside

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has provided a strong theory as to why things have been quiet as far as Newcastle and Kees Smit are concerned. Posting on X, Edwards has revealed that Newcastle feel a pursuit of Smit would be a waste of effort, as they don't feel he is keen on the move to Tyneside.

"Newcastle have liked Kees Smit for a while but they have never been convinced he wanted to join them and have not pursued anything this summer.

"A number of clubs are interested but Newcastle are not currently active in that conversation. Keep an eye on Liverpool but there are others keen #nufc"

More of this common sense, please

At least we're hearing this early and aren't being led to believe that we're in for Smit only for him to go to Liverpool.

This is the kind of common sense approach to the transfer window we need more of, to be honest, and we're sure that's how it's going on behind the scenes, but we just don't find out about the reality until it's too late.

Although the Victor Munoz deal was a different story, as everyone was convinced he was coming to Newcastle before he changed his mind at the last minute.