Newcastle ‘ramp up’ efforts to try and sign playmaker that Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp ‘admires’

Newcastle United have added one of Liverpool and Manchester City’s long term targets to their January shortlist, according to reports.

The Magpies are believed to be in the market for a midfielder to replace long-term absentee Sandro Tonali, who is suspended until the end of the season due to betting offences.

Tonali is renowned for his excellent passing ability and workrate in the midfield and these are attributes that 21-year-old starlet Gabri Veiga has in abundance as Eddie Howe looks to fill a void in the middle of the park.

Veiga is a 21-year-old midfielder who represented Spain in this summers U21 European Championships.

The midfielder was a crucial part of the team which finished runners-up in the tournament and his performances prompted the attention of a number of huge European clubs in the summer including Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Reds in particular were reported to be huge fans of the former Celta Vigo midfielder, who opted for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia in the summer after his £40m release clause was met.

Veiga was criticised for moving to the Middle East at his age by a number of stars within the game including Toni Kroos who described the move as “embarrassing”, according to Football Transfers.

The Spanish midfielder recorded 11 goals and four assists for a struggling Celta Vigo team before his departure.

Since leaving, he has played nine games for Al-Ahli and has scored two goals, whilst playing alongside star-studded names such as Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin.

But Veiga’s career in Europe may not be over just yet and TeamTalk adds that the player is now on Newcastle’s shortlist of January targets as they look to use their Saudi connections to their advantage.

The report adds that Newcastle and Al Ahli have the same owners (PIF) which could pave a way for an agreement to be reached. Some suggestions add that the Magpies could sign Veiga on an initial loan deal with an option to buy if he impresses.