Exclusive: Netherlands international midfielder wanted by Manchester United

Manchester United’s midfield issues have been ongoing for well past the last decade.

The Red Devils decided against signing a midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 season and opted to reinforce the attack with a new front three.

Kobbie Mainoo pushed for a move in the final weeks of the transfer window, but the club blocked it due to the low numbers they possess in midfield.

However, after only starting one game this season, with that being in the EFL Cup loss to Grimsby Town, it’s seeming more and more likely that a loan spell could be on the cards for the midfielder.

Casemiro is thirty-four next year, and he could also leave in the coming summer.

Bruno Fernandes has been playing in the deeper role in Ruben Amorim’s system alongside the Brazilian and is seen as Mainoo’s competition.

It is very clear that a new midfield, or even potentially two, can be on the cards next year for Amorim’s side.

And now we can reveal one of the options for the position.

CentreDevils understands that Manchester United holds interest in 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

Scouts have been following the Netherlands international for a while now, with the director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, mentioning his name in internal talks.

There is interest from multiple top clubs, however, with many top European clubs already making enquiries to the Dutch club.

It is believed that the Eredivisie club would want a fee around the £25 million mark.

No talks have officially begun for the 19-year-old, but there is definitely interest from the Red Devils.

A move in January is deemed as unlikely as of now, which could give Newcastle United a lead in the race with their interest intensifying.

Smit is looking for a step up to a bigger European team and it will be interesting to see how the situation will develop in the next months.