‘Unique talent’ – Man Utd’s £52m transfer target backed to become ‘the new Frenkie de Jong’

Rafael van der Vaart has spoken about Manchester United’s transfer target (Picture: Getty)

Rafael van der Vaart has labelled Kees Smit a ‘unique talent’, claiming the Manchester United-linked midfielder has the potential to become the new Frenkie de Jong.

Smit enjoyed an eye-catching breakout season with AZ Alkmaar last term, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football with a series of assured displays in the Eredivisie.

The 20-year-old followed this up with a magnificent showing at last year’s European Under-19 Championship, helping the Netherlands win the title while finishing as the top scorer and claiming the Player of the Tournament award.

There was another significant milestone last month as Smit made his senior international debut in ...