Newcastle United now look unlikely to sign Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga with Liverpool leading the race.
Liverpool are considered ‘firm favourites’ to sign Gabri Veiga despite Newcastle United holding talks to sign him.
That is according to The Northern Echo, who claim that Newcastle are interested in bringing Veiga to St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s recruitment team are understood to have held initial talks to try and secure Veiga’s signature.
However, it’s suggested that Liverpool have ‘completed a lot of the groundwork’ for Veiga’s signature and are leading the race.
Veiga has a €40million (£35million) release clause in his Celta contract and he may not be allowed to leave for any less.
Veiga was in dazzling form on Sunday evening as he scored twice to give Celta a 2-1 victory over Barcelona.
That kept Celta in La Liga and Veiga was in tears as he left the pitch, which many believe was because he is leaving this summer.
Newcastle fans may still hope to win the race, especially after Spanish newspaper Marca claimed last week that the Magpies are very close to a deal.
Liverpool seem to be in front though and even Newcastle’s Champions League action may not be enough to overtake the Reds.
Liverpool making midfield moves amid Gabri Veiga chase
The Reds needed to add midfielders this summer and they are now making moves.
Fabrizio Romano claims that a medical for Alexis Mac Allister to join Liverpool has been scheduled today.
The Brighton and Hove Albion star is finally set to complete his move to Anfield after weeks of rumours.
Liverpool aren’t done there though and have been heavily linked with moves for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone.
Thuram and Kone go way back in French football circles and the thought was that Liverpool would sign both.
Yet with Veiga now a top target too, it may be just one of Kone or Thuram joining Liverpool rather than both.
It’s hard to see Liverpool bringing in four midfielders this summer unless there are some surprise departures to come, so a move for Veiga will raise questions about their plans.
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