Newcastle United have been tipped to break Liverpool and Arsenal hearts by signing La Liga phenomenon Gabri Veiga first, with the Magpies reportedly ready to pay his release clause in full.
Veiga is a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Celta Vigo. He is enjoying a fantastic season in Spain, having registered nine goals and three assists in 29 matches so far.
Veiga’s great form has seen him become part of the Spain U21 setup, and he will be hoping to force his way into the senior squad at some point in the future. But the youngster could also earn himself a big transfer to the Premier League.
On February 25, it emerged that Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in him. And since then there have been plenty of links with Premier League sides, as well as with Spanish titans Real Madrid.
On March 16, Diario AS journalist Manu Sainz revealed how Arsenal were most likely to land Veiga as the player was pushing for a move to the Emirates.
But the next day, Liverpool put themselves in pole position to sign him. And there has now been another major twist in the transfer pursuit.
As per an update from Diario AS on Twitter, Newcastle will soon make their move for the playmaker. Eddie Howe’s side have indicated to Celta they are willing to pay Veiga’s release clause in full. It stands at €40million (£35.2m).
Newcastle have also told Veiga’s camp they are preparing a contract offer worth €5m (£4.4m) per season. It could see Veiga take home £85,000 a week, which is a lot of money for a player of his age.
Newcastle must still overcome Real Madrid
The Magpies will be hoping this is enough to see them strike a deal with both Celta and Veiga himself, leaving Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd in the dust.
But according to Sport Witness, who cite reports coming out of Spain, Real are now providing the strongest competition for the wonderkid.
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has two ideas in mind to snare Veiga. The first is to pay his £35m release clause in full, which Real should have the funds to do.
Although, they are not in the strongest financial position right now and would probably rather save some money for the Jude Bellingham deal. Therefore, Perez is planning to offer Celta €25m (£22m) as well as talented centre-back Rafa Marin in a player-plus-cash deal.
It will be interesting to see which offer Celta prefer. The choice could eventually come down to Veiga himself.
At Real, he would have the chance to fight for the biggest trophies, such as La Liga and the Champions League. But it would be incredibly hard for him to get into their starting eleven given how strong their midfield and attack already is.
Newcastle are also aiming to get in the mix for major silverware, but they are not just there yet. And Howe’s squad is not as strong as Ancelotti’s, so Veiga should pick up more game time if he goes to St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Newcastle are both pondering £44m bids for a top Serie A goalscorer, according to reports.
