People close to a 'genuine talent' have reportedly admitted that Tottenham want to sign him, with the player also in huge demand across Europe.
Tottenham set for cash windfall amid Brennan Johnson sale
The big news coming out of Spurs in the last 48 hours is winger Brennan Johnson's imminent departure, which comes just over two years after his £47.5 million switch from Nottingham Forest.
Johnson, who finished 24/25 as the Lilywhites' top goalscorer in all competitions with 18, also scored the Europa League-final winning goal against Man United in May to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy.
Fast-forward to now, and the Wales international is closing in on an exit with Crystal Palace already agreeing a £35 million fee for Johnson prior to January.
However, the south Londoners still aren't alone in the race, with Everton, Sunderland and Bournemouth all making calls to Spurs and considering moves of their own.
“Brennan Johnson has to decide whether he wants to go to Crystal Palace or wait for other opportunities," Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel.
“It is my understanding that Bournemouth are ready to pay the transfer fee, and there are also Sunderland and Everton calling in the last 24 hours. So now Brennan Johnson has to decide what he wants to do in terms of technical project, in terms of contract, in terms of city - he’s based in London, obviously.”
As the race for Johnson heats up, Thomas Frank and co are making recruitment plans of their own as we fast approach 2026.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TEAMtalk, one man on their radar is AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit.
Tottenham want to sign Kees Smit amid Frenkie de Jong comparison
The 19-year-old has taken Dutch football by storm and is already drawing lofty comparisons, with an unnamed Premier League scout telling TT that he's the Netherlands' answer to Adam Wharton and possibly a new Frenkie de Jong.
Bailey also says that people close to Smit's camp have confirmed that every big club in England is after the teenager, including Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle.
With Tottenham targeting Smit for 2026, the mystery scout has also called him a 'genuine talent' and one of Dutch football's most exciting prospects who 'everyone will be talking about'.
“He is a very clever footballer," the scout said.
"Many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.
“He is a genuine talent, when you think of an Adam Wharton in England – this is the Dutch version of that. He is probably the best Dutch midfield prospect since Frenkie De Jong, and he hasn’t done bad, has he?
“He really is superb and is someone everyone will be talking about this summer.”
The Eredivisie starlet, according to TEAMtalk, could cost as much as £65 million — ironically a similar fee to de Jong's Barcelona transfer in 2019.
If not that high, it is believed a minimum £52 million would be required to convince AZ to part with their rising star next year.