Newcastle United in talks with £34m midfielder as Liverpool inflict transfer blow

Newcastle United are reportedly one of four Premier League clubs to have held talks with Gabri Veiga’s representatives.

La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, who recently appointed Rafa Benitez as manager, expect to lose the Spain under-21s midfielder because of his £34million clause.

“We do not want to sell him under any circumstances but they are going to buy him from us,” said Celta president Carlos Mourino. “We know some of the offers, we would not have the capacity to pay him what other teams do.

“Gabri has a Celtic feeling and will always have the doors open but he will depend exclusively on him and he is What they are offering him is irrefutable. He will decide where he wants to go but that club will have to pay the clause.”

No club is yet to activate his exit clause but according to 90min, Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have indicated they would be willing to meet that figure after talks with the player’s agentPini Zahavi.

The 21-year-old scored 11 goals and registered four assists in 36 matches last season, including a brace against Barcelona on the final day of the La Liga season to help retain Celta’s top-flight status.

Veiga is currently competing at the under-21s Euros as Spain prepare to take on Switzerland in quarter-finals this evening. The central midfielder was asked about his future prior to the tournament and he was in no mood to comment.

“I’m not here to talk about my future, only my present,” said Veiga. I want to be in the final [squad] of the Europeans.”

“It’s been a bit of a mess,” Veiga continued. “I left my [agent] and then I took some time off. I went with the one that I think is the best and I think I’ve matured a lot.

“I don’t think about my future, I want to live in the present and the National Team. What I want for my future is to be in the European Championship, because there is still the final list, and then to win it. I am here in the national team, in a very nice challenge.”

Although Newcastle are set to announce the £52m arrival of Sandro Tonali on Monday, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe remains keen to sign another midfielder.

RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai was strongly considered after James Maddison joined Tottenham Hotspur, however Liverpool look set to win the chase for the Hungarian international’s signature.