Liverpool watched £51.5m-rated Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit when AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League this week, with Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also monitoring the 20-year-old. Manchester United are tracking 24-year-old Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Tottenham lead the race to sign 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias from Athletico Paranaense, valued at €30m, with Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford also interested.

Monaco confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January after he reversed a move to Everton. Several European clubs monitor Chelsea’s 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong. Monaco admitted a January deal for Senegal international Lamine Camara, 22, is possible, with Liverpool and Chelsea interested.

Real Madrid pursue Morocco’s 17-year-old Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane. Newcastle United may revive interest in Djurgarden’s Bo Hegland, 22. Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa watch Sturm Graz’s Luca Weinhandl, 17, valued at £20m.

Tottenham consider free agent Mauro Icardi, 33, though registration delayed until January. Manchester City and Liverpool target Germany’s Felix Nmecha, 25, with Dortmund seeking €80-90m. Chelsea join race for Norway’s Gambia youth international Adama Jeng, 15, from Tromso IL.