Chelsea are ready to make a move for Gabri Veiga (Quality Sport Images/Getty)
Chelsea are planning a move for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to reports.
Mauricio Pochettino has already suffered a setback ahead of the summer transfer window as one of his targets, Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, has turned down a move to Chelsea in favour of joining Paris Saint-Germain.
According to The Guardian, Pochettino is prioritising the signing of at least one new central midfielder and is now intent on signing Veiga.
The report claims that Chelsea ‘are prepared to push hard’ for the 21-year-old but the club will face competition from both Liverpool and Barcelona.
Liverpool are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton but are expected to work on a move for Veiga once that is finalised.
Gabri Veiga has a €40m (£34.4m) buyout clause in his deal with Celta Vigo (Getty)
Celta Vigo narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga this season but Veiga remained one of their standout performers throughout the campaign with 11 goals and four assists in the league.
Veiga still has three years remaining on his contract with Celta Vigo but his deal includes a €40m (£34.4m) buyout clause.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, are facing the prospect of losing N’Golo Kante as Saudi side Al-Ittihad, who completed their move for Karim Benzema on Tuesday, have offered the midfielder a two-year deal worth around £86m a year.
Kante’s current contract with Chelsea is due to expire at the end of the month.
Chelsea are also in talks to sell Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, while Manchester United are in advanced negotiations for Mason Mount after a £50m bid was submitted over the weekend.
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Chelsea have a new target after missing out on Manuel Ugarte.
