Liverpool and Real Madrid primed for bidding war over £52m sensation who has ‘charmed’ Arne Slot

Liverpool could reportedly be set to do battle with Real Madrid in the race to sign a prodigious Dutch starlet.

In November, Soccernews claimed that the Reds had been ‘seriously considering’ an approach to AZ Alkmaar for Kees Smit, with the midfielder understood to have ‘charmed’ Arne Slot as far back as 10 years ago.

It was written that the youngster – who turns 20 next week – would be ‘interested in a transfer’ as he seeks to compete ‘at the highest level’, and two of Europe’s most...