Chelsea chasing Belgian youth labelled 'next Kevin De Bruyne'

Chelsea have been in contact with Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar with regard to a transfer move for 19-year-old midfielder Kees Smit. The Netherlands under-21 international has captivated fans at his current club, and Chelsea have now joined Tottenham in the race to sign the creative midfielder. The Dutch outfit value the player at around 25 million euros.

The Dutch starlet has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and, according to CaughtOffside, the player is ready to transfer to the Premier League. This season the player has a decent return of three goals and assists in eight Eredivisie games.

Smit has been described by many as having the same attributes as former Man City star Kevin De Bruyne and is seen as a potential successor to the Belgian international, after forcing his way into AZ's first-team.

With three years remaining on his deal at the Eredivisie side, Smit knows he is no rush to leave the Netherlands but eventually the goal is a transfer to England to try his luck in the Premier League.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has deployed his top scout to monitor Smit's recent performances.