Newcastle United ‘very close’ to making Liverpool target their first summer signing - claim

Newcastle United have shown interest in Celta Vigo star Gabriel Veiga but suggestions that a deal is “very close” are wide of the mark.

Sources in Spain on Wednesday evening claimed the Magpies were on the verge of beating the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool to the 21-year-old’s signature, which sparked excitement on social media.

However, as far as NewcastleWorld is aware, Veiga’s future is no closer to be finalised, despite reportedly having a £34million release clause in his contract.

Veiga, is expected to leave Celta Vigo this summer after recently joining super-agent Pini Zahavi’s roster. The Israeli also represents Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski.

Having only made a handful of appearances for Celta in the previous two season, Veiga has established himself as a midfield regular this campaign, scoring nine goals and in 35 La Liga appearances.

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Veiga still has one game left to play this campaign, and it’s a very important one too with Celta at risk of being relegated from Spain’s top-flight. His side face champions Barcelona on Sunday and must match Real Valladolid’s result against Getafe to secure safety.

Once Vigo’s fate has been decided, the speculation surrounding Veiga’s future is expected to ramp up with a number of clubs interested in his services.

Although the Premier League season ended last weekend, the Magpies’ recruitment team is working hard behind the scenes to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the return to Champions League football St James’ Park.