Liverpool are ready to step up their interest in Gabri Veiga but could face a roadblock in the form of Celta Vigo's demands.
Academy graduate Veiga is coming off a breakout season in which he scored 11 times in La Liga. The 21-year-old could help Liverpool continue their midfield rebuild after losing the likes of James Milner and Naby Keita.
The Reds have already completed a deal for Alexis Mac Allister, but need more new bodies in the light of several departures. Veiga could well fit the bill, and has a €40m release clause, but Jurgen Klopp's side may want a cheaper deal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have made an offer to Veiga. Celta aren't budging, though, with president Carlos Mourino determined to recoup the full release clause for the youngster.
“The clauses are in place and it is one of the requirements of La Liga," Mourino told Cadena SER (via Football Espana) in April. "We are not going to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us.
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"Nobody has to negotiate with us. We know that there are clubs that have called, but we don’t know who has spoken with Gabri Veiga. There were other teams that called us asking if we would give them a hand”
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Gabri Veiga has enjoyed a breakout season with Celta Vigo (Getty Images)Liverpool's swoop for Mac Allister is expected to be the first of many as Klopp's side look to rebound from a tough 2022-23 season. Despite a late rally, the Reds missed out on Champions League qualification and will find themselves in the Europa League next term.
The former Argentinos player, who arrives from Brighton. joins as a World Cup winner. Mac Allister started the 2022 tournament on the bench for Argentina, but took his chance and started the final as Lionel Scaloni's side eventually overcame France on penalties.
"I do not think the football world needs me to say too much about Alexis' qualities because they are already pretty well known but it is clear that he is someone who can play in a number of positions in the midfield and is an all-rounder, I would say," Klopp said once the deal was confirmed. "He is calm and composed and someone with proper game intelligence."
The Liverpool target is unlikely to come cheap (Getty Images)After Celta found themselves in relegation trouble early last season, Veiga played his part as the team escaped the drop under Carlos Carvalhal. The former Swansea boss has already sung the praises of the 21-year-old, who scored both goals in a final-day victory over champions Barcelona.
“In my career I’ve only seen one or two players who have the characteristics of Veiga, He is a very complete player," Carvalhal said.
"He has a different profile to all the other midfielders in Spain, who are usually about touch and possession. Gabri breaks games open.”
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