Liverpool preparing January move for Dutch star

Liverpool could lodge a formal bid to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit during the winter transfer window.

The Reds parted ways with Curtis Jones over the summer, but they didn't find a suitable replacement before the transfer deadline.

They are expected to address the issue at the start of the year, and Smit is one of the top players on their radar, as per Teamtalk.

The youngster has been a long-term target for the Reds and was first linked when Arne Slot was the manager of the Anfield club.

They have maintained their interest in the Dutchman despite the change at the helm. Andoni Iraola replaced Slot earlier this summer.

Kees has played as an attacking midfielder for AZ this campaign, but he can also operate from the number eight and number six roles.

He has found good success from each of those positions and the Dutch outfit are expected to demand at least £51m to sanction his sale.