Liverpool had scouts at the Europa League this week to watch Kees Smit as AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland, with the Netherlands midfielder rated at £51.5m and attracting interest from Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the more closely watched young players in the Dutch top flight, and the cluster of Premier League clubs tracking him suggests a bidding race could develop when the window opens.
Smit is not the only midfielder on Liverpool's radar. The club are also reported to be keen on Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, with the German side expected to demand between 80 and 90m euros for the 25-year-old. Manchester City are also in the picture for Nmecha, according to Fussball News, which would put two of the Premier League's biggest spenders in direct competition. Whether Liverpool would move for both Smit and Nmecha in the same window is unclear, but the range of targets points to a midfield rebuild being a priority at Anfield.
Monaco could be active sellers in January. The club have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun after the 25-year-old changed his mind over a move to Everton on deadline day. That is a significant reversal, and it leaves Monaco needing to find a buyer for a forward who was close to leaving just weeks ago. The club have also admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be possible, with Liverpool and Chelsea both interested in the Senegal international. Monaco's willingness to discuss Camara's departure suggests they are preparing for a window of significant outgoings.
Tottenham are leading the race to sign 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias from Athletico Paranaense. Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also monitoring the defender, who is valued at 30m euros. Spurs have also been linked with a move for free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine left Galatasaray, though they will not be able to register the 33-year-old until January. Icardi's availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive short-term option, but his age and wage demands could give clubs pause.
Manchester United are monitoring the performances of 24-year-old Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Insider. Branthwaite has been on United's radar before and the club's continued interest suggests they see him as a long-term solution at centre-back. Everton's position is complicated by their own financial situation, and they may be reluctant to sell a homegrown player of Branthwaite's quality unless the price is right.
Newcastle United are set to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland after the 22-year-old Norwegian opted against moving in the summer. That decision delayed the transfer, but Newcastle's persistence indicates they have not moved on from the player. Whether Djurgarden are willing to negotiate in January remains to be seen, but the Swedish club will know Newcastle's interest is genuine.
Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all monitoring Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl. The 17-year-old Austrian is valued at £20m, a significant figure for a player his age, and the level of interest suggests clubs believe he is worth the investment. Several European clubs are also monitoring English 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong's situation at Chelsea, according to AS. Acheampong's contract situation at Stamford Bridge could force a decision, with clubs across the continent ready to move if he becomes available.
Real Madrid will go all out to sign Abdellah Ouazane, the 17-year-old Ajax midfielder who has impressed for Morocco's youth sides, according to Fichajes. At 17, Ouazane would be a signing for the future rather than the present, but Real Madrid's willingness to move early for young talent is well established. Chelsea have joined a number of European clubs in the race to sign Adama Jeng, the 15-year-old Gambia youth international from Norwegian side Tromso IL. Jeng is still a teenager in the truest sense, and any deal would likely involve a loan back or a delayed move, but the interest shows how early clubs are now moving for players they believe have elite potential.
According to BBC Sports.