According to multiple iNews reports, Chelsea have taken the lead in the race to sign promising Dutch international Keith, and have quickly begun negotiations with the player’s representatives ahead of the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of Europe’s most intriguing young players following his breakthrough in the Eredivisie.
His ability to dictate the tempo of a match has seen him compared to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Martin Odegaard.
His performances have now attracted the attention of several top clubs, with Chelsea and Newcastle United among the frontrunners to sign him.
Chelsea make contact with AZ Alkmaar midfielder
Stamford Bridge sources say Chelsea’s recruitment department has already begun contact with Keith’s camp to explore the feasibility of a deal as the Blues continue to build one of the Premier League’s youngest and most dynamic teams.
However, although a £25m valuation is considered fair in the current market, Chelsea’s leaders are reportedly reluctant to make such an investment in January without first acquiring a small number of peripheral players, due to Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) considerations.
Manager Enzo Maresca has praised Keith’s versatility and tactical intelligence and is said to believe he can thrive in Chelsea’s evolving midfield set-up alongside Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo.
Nevertheless, the club’s transfer committee is treading carefully and considering whether to postpone a formal bid until the summer, when the financial situation may be more flexible.
While Chelsea are pondering, Newcastle United are preparing to take decisive action.
The Magpies were “definitely mulling over” a move for Keith in January, seeing him as a player who could immediately strengthen Eddie Howe’s side for both their Premier League and European ambitions.
The Toon Army are expected to test the waters with a formal offer as soon as the winter window opens, with sources suggesting Keith is interested in potentially playing in the Premier League.
The Dutch midfielder has impressed this season
Keith’s rise was meteoric. He showed outstanding performances against Dutch top teams in this season’s Eredivisie and has attracted attention from Ajax scouts and Bundesliga clubs, but it is expected that the Premier League’s financial strength will determine whether he wins or loses.
The 19-year-old’s combination of ball-carrying ability, defensive awareness and creativity has made him a target for teams looking for a long-term midfield solution.
The next few weeks could be decisive in deciding where Keith goes next, with Chelsea carefully assessing their spending in January and Newcastle prepared to move more aggressively.
His current club are thought to be prepared to sell him for a reasonable price, ideally around £25 million, but would like to keep him until the summer if possible.
Source: 12 clubs interested in signing Premier League prodigy, Chelsea ‘top’
