Manchester United have found out what they must do to sign an impressive La Liga talent Gabri Veiga, although Newcastle and Real Madrid are reportedly providing competition for his services.
Veiga is a product of the Celta Vigo academy. He gained promotion to their senior team last summer and has gone on to play 27 times in all competitions, registering eight goals and three assists from attacking midfield.
That includes La Liga braces against Real Betis and Real Valladolid in February.
The 20-year-old is picking up attention from some major European clubs thanks to his top performances and versatility. He can also operate as a right winger or centre-forward if required.
Veiga was first linked with a Premier League move on February 25. Spanish newspaper AS put Man Utd, Arsenal and Newcastle in the frame for his signature.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reacted to the transfer rumours two days later. He said: “Some Arsenal fans have asked me about links with Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga.
“However, I think it’s way too early before linking him with big clubs like this.
“I’m told four or five top clubs scouts are monitoring him as Veiga is a top talent and he’s doing great in La Liga, but it’s something for the future, not present.”
Man Utd trying to sign midfielder before Newcastle
Despite Romano seemingly attempting to calm down the transfer excitement, rumours continue to swirl. The latest report on Veiga’s future comes from Spanish source El Desmarque. They claim it is Man Utd and Newcastle who are the main English suitors for the Spain U21 international, with Arsenal not currently looking at him.
Veiga shining in La Liga has ‘aroused interest’ from both Man Utd and Newcastle. Unfortunately for the Prem suitors, Spanish titans Real Madrid have got involved recently.
Those three teams have been told they can land Veiga if his €40million (£35.5m) release clause is met. But Celta Vigo believe they should get more money than this and are therefore in talks over renewing his contract, which would see his release clause increased.
Veiga is happy to stay at Celta Vigo as he is developing nicely there. He does not want to move to a major club too early and end up warming the bench.
One factor which will change Veiga’s mind is a ‘stratospheric’ contract offer coming in. The report does not reveal exactly how much money this constitutes. But as Veiga currently earns less than €10,000 a week, it should not cost too much to convince him on a move to England.
Man Utd are in a good position to snare the playmaker thanks to their league position, finances and glamour. However, serious competition will come from Newcastle and Real as they look to deprive Erik ten Hag of his latest signing.
Celta vice-president Ricardo Barros spoke about Veiga’s future recently. “You already know that Celta is a youth team, they are youth players, with which we feel very proud,” he said. “[Veiga] is a boy who was already pointing out ways [to improve] and I think he is going to have a very important future.”