MANCHESTER UNITED target Kees Smit was spotted at Ally Pally dressed as Shaun the Sheep while enjoying a night at the World Darts Championship with friends.
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder, 19, has emerged as an option for the Red Devils after reports claimed United were in a five-way battle to sign him.
United are desperate to upgrade their midfield options with Casemiro‘s contract expiring and question marks over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
Ruben Amorim‘s side are said to be rivalled by Newcastle, Real Madrid, Barcelon and Borussia Dortmund for his signature.
And while it’s not clear if Smit will be heading to England just yet, the teenage star has arrived on UK shores to enjoy the darts.
Smit was pictured fully embracing the traditions of Ally Pally as he dressed up like children’s animated character Shaun the Sheep, while his friends dressed as chickens and cows.
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Smit and his friends enjoyed the evening’s action with beers on their table as one of the footballer’s pals jumped up and down dancing and singing to the Ally Pally darts anthem.
Fans were impressed by Smit’s relaxed behaviour while taking time off from the Eredivisie season.
One wrote on X: “Kees Smit on the beers, dressed up as Shaun the Sheep, at the World Darts Chamionship. This is what an elite football talent looks like.”
A Newcastle fan said: “Sign him for this alone,” while a third added: “100 million quid talent there.”
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Smit enjoyed his breakthrough season with AZ last season, having come through the club’s academy.
He joined AZ when he was just nine years old and has gone on to make 58 appearances for the club scoring four goals.
Smit is seen as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders and the Athletic reported that AZ are reluctant to let him go in January.
But if United or any other suitor come calling in the summer, the Dutch club are said to be chasing a £52million fee.
United’s reported interest in Smit comes at a time where Amorim is struggling with a huge injury crisis in midfield.
Both Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes are expected be out until the new year, while Mason Mount has also picked up an issue.
Amorim was forced to bring on youngster Jack Fletcher in United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day after Mount suffered an undisclosed injury.
And United have been forced to cut short Toby Collyer’s loan at West Brom to give the club more options in the middle of the park.