Liverpool watch £51.5m-rated Kees Smit as Saturday transfer gossip unfolds

Liverpool watched Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit when AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League this week, with other clubs present to assess the 20-year-old.

The 20-year-old Smit is rated at £51.5m and Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are among the clubs keeping tabs on him, according to reports.

Manchester United are monitoring the performances of 24-year-old Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Tottenham are reported to be leading the race to sign 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias from Athletico Paranaense, with Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford also tracking the player who is valued at 30m euros.

Several European clubs are monitoring 20-year-old Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.

Monaco have admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be possible in January, with Liverpool and Chelsea named among the interested parties.

Real Madrid have been linked with 17-year-old Morocco midfielder Abdellah Ouazane at Ajax, while Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are reported to be monitoring 17-year-old Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl, who is valued at £20m; Chelsea have also joined a number of clubs in the race for 15-year-old Gambia youth international Adama Jeng from Tromso IL.

Manchester City and Liverpool are both said to be keen on 25-year-old Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, with Borussia Dortmund expected to ask for 80-90m euros, and Tottenham are considering signing free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine left Galatasaray.

Monaco have confirmed plans to sell 25-year-old United States striker Folarin Balogun in January after he changed his mind over a move to Everton on deadline day, and Tottenham will not be able to register 33-year-old Mauro Icardi until January.