- Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar wonderkid , according to iNews. While the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen on signing the 19-year-old midfielder, Chelsea have been quick to establish contact with the player's camp. Kees' transfer is valued at around the £25 million mark, although it's unclear if Chelsea would be willing to stump up such a sum in January. Newcastle, by contrast, are definitely pondering a move for the Netherlands international next month.
"There is never a must win. Yes, we want to win, we will do everything to win the game, but Alkmaar is a very experienced team in European football. Maybe not for their age [of the club] but they always qualify for European football. Two years ago they played Aston Villa in the group stage. Three years ago they played in the semi-finals of the Conference League and lost against West Ham - two very tight games, losing 1-0 and 2-1."