Newcastle United, Liverpool & Chelsea-linked midfielder ‘agrees personal terms’ ahead of expected move

A midfielder who attracted interest from Newcastle United earlier this summer is reportedly close to joining a Champions League rival.

Reports in Spain claimed Eddie Howe’s side were close to signing Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga before sealing a £52million deal for Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

There was talk of Howe wanting another midfielder alongside Tonali but Financial Fair Play restrictions meant the Magpies’ head coach had to prioritise other positions.

After offloading Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli to boost the cash pot, United have brought in Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento for an additional £68m.

Newcastle are pushing for at least one more signing before the window shuts on September 1, being either a centre-back or left-back but Howe has revealed the club must be “creative” for that to happen.

As a result, United’s interest in Veiga has fallen by the wayside. And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spain under-21s international is now close to joining Napoli having already agreed personal terms with the Serie A champions.

Veiga has a £34.5million release clause but the Italian club have bid below that valuation. As per Romano, a new improved offer has been submitted and “all parties are confident” a deal will be reached.

The 21-year-old scored 11 goals in 36 La Liga appearances last season, which also caught the attention of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, who was appointed Celta Vigo boss last month, confirmed there was interest in Veiga.

“The market is open and he has a release clause,” Benitez told Marca. “There is a lot of talk about if, and when, he might leave. As a footballer I like him and he’s a player that scores goals and helps the team win games, but the situation is what it is, and the interest is real.

“The ideal thing for us is that if a situation has to arise, it is resolved soon. If he stays, he’s an important player, but we can’t control the market.”

Veiga was named as a substitute for the La Liga outfit’s 2-0 opening day defeat to Osasuna.