Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to explore transfer move for £52m star who can ‘do a bit of everything’

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has encouraged the club to look into signing AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit as a possible alternative to the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

The Red Devils prioritised overhauling their misfiring attack last summer, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko signing on the dotted line for a combined fee of around £200million.

Old Trafford chiefs had also been keen to bring in a deep-lying midfielder to suit Ruben Amorim’s much-maligned 3-4-3 system, reportedly placing Nottingham Forest’s Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba at the top of their shortlist of targets.

Brighton have since confirmed United made an approach for Baleba on the back of the Cameroonian’s eye-catching season at the Amex Stadium last term.

But according to Brighton CEO Tony Bloom, United simply ‘went away’ when informed that Baleba would not be sold unless an astronomical fee was made for the sought-after 22-year-old.

A month on from Amorim’s dismissal as head coach, United remain in the market for a midfielder to complement Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo – and the likes of Joao Gomes and Ruben Neves were also linked in January.

Discussing the subject on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand suggested he would ‘lean towards’ Anderson over Wharton if he had to choose between the two England internationals in the summer transfer window.

‘Elliot Anderson, I would love to have him at the football club, 100 per cent,’ the ex-United and England defender said.

‘His energy, his physicality… I think he would be a great signing. He knows the league.

‘Adam Wharton, I’ve spoken about him. Maybe he might be too similar to Kobbie Mainoo. We’d then lack a bit of physicality in the midfield area if it’s maybe him.

‘I’d probably lean towards Elliot Anderson this season, after the way that he’s played. His traits would suit and blend to someone like Kobbie Mainoo, if he’s going to start next season, a bit better.’

Ferdinand went on to suggest a potential left-field option in the shape of AZ Alkmaar youngster Smit, who enjoyed an outstanding breakout season in the Eredivisie last term.

A recent report from The Athletic claimed United were ‘showing an interest’ in Smit, along with the likes of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.

However, AZ are in no hurry to part with the 20-year-old and are said to have slapped a €60million (£52m) price tag on their prized possession.

‘The are others in the market as well, a couple of young ones,’ Ferdinand continued.

‘Kees Smit, I like him a lot. If you don’t know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player.

‘He’s a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really and he’s performing to a very good standard.’

However, if there is an opportunity to sign Anderson from Forest in the summer, Ferdinand believes the Red Devils ‘have got to make it happen’.

‘I wouldn’t be disappointed in seeing him in a Manchester United shirt next year,’ he said.

‘He would cost a hell of a lot of money but if we get Champions League then we’ve got to make it happen.’

There was some speculation that Smit could have been on the move had the right offer come in for the Netherlands Under-21 international in January.

But Smit went on to reaffirm his commitment to AZ until at least the end of the season, with his boyhood team sitting fifth in the Eredivisie and battling it on in the Europa Conference League.

‘I know how it is. I don’t want to say much about it,’ Smit told ESPN when asked about the incessant rumours surrounding his future.

‘A move is definitely not going to happen this winter. I will 100 per cent stay here at AZ.

‘It’s great that it’s a big fee, of course, but I mainly want to focus on football. We’ll see what happens.’

Smit’s current contract with AZ runs through to June 2028.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.