Newcastle United have been linked with signing Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo this summer, and their club president has now confirmed that they have received interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
Veiga is set to be a man in demand this summer, with Newcastle one of the teams that have been credited with an interest in the exciting 20-year-old.
The Spanish midfielder is enjoying a breakthrough season in La Liga, scoring nine goals and providing three assists so far. His form has resulted in Real Madrid showing an interest, while multiple English clubs are seemingly keen too.
As well as the Magpies, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked.
Carlos Mourino comments on Gabri Veiga’s Celta Vigo future
Now Celta Vigo’s president Carlos Mourino has confirmed to Mundo Deportivo that four top half Premier League clubs have asked about signing Veiga this summer. That could include Eddie Howe’s side, who are currently fifth in the table.
“There are several teams behind Gabri,” Mourino said.
“Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.
“For us, and to make it clear, he is not for sale. We have nothing to negotiate with anyone. We refer [interested clubs] to the [release] clause. The decision is Gabri’s, he will play wherever he wants.”
Newcastle face competition for Gabri Veiga
The release clause that Mourino alludes to will allow Veiga to leave this summer for £35million. It has been reported that Newcastle are already willing to activate that clause, and would offer the youngster wages worth £85,000-a-week.
However, it is still going to be very difficult to tempt Veiga to Tyneside given the amount of competition. Qualifying for the Champions League would certainly give us a boost – otherwise we surely have no chance.
Even then, Dan Ashworth might still struggle to do a deal, especially if Real Madrid are lurking. They are the biggest club in the world, and it has been claimed in Spain that Veiga would prefer to join Los Blancos over any Premier League club.
In the eyes of Mourino, Celta Vigo will only sell to a club that activates his release clause. They are not interested in negotiating a lower price for their talented academy graduate.
It will be £35million or nothing for Veiga, and Newcastle must decide whether or not they think he is worth that amount before they even trying to tempt him to St James’ Park.
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