Chelsea are now planning a transfer move for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to reports.
Mauricio Pochettino has suffered a setback ahead of the summer window as one of his targets, Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, has rejected a move to Chelsea in favour of joining PSG.
According to The Guardian, Pochettino is prioritising signing at least one new midfielder and is now keen on signing Veiga.
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The report claims that the Blues ‘are prepared to push hard’ for the 21-year-old midfielder but the West London side will face competition from Liverpool and Barcelona.
Liverpool are now set to complete a deal to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton but are expected to work on a move for Veiga once that is finalised.
Celta Vigo avoided relegation from La Liga this campaign but Veiga remained one of their best performers throughout the season with 11 goals and four assists in the league.
Veiga still has three years left on his current contract with Celta Vigo but his deal includes a €40million (£34.4m) buyout clause.
Chelsea are facing the prospect of losing N’Golo Kante as Saudi club Al-Ittihad, who completed their move for Karim Benzema on Tuesday, have offered the player a two-year deal worth around £86m per year.
Kante’s current deal with Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the month.
