Chelsea are thought to be preparing a bid to beat Liverpool to the signing of Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga, as they ‘close in’ on their first signing of the summer.
Veiga has drawn interest from Real Madrid through his displays in La Liga this summer, with the 21-year-old registered 11 goals and four assists.
Liverpool are also interested, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on Friday.
“This week Liverpool had some conversations with people close to Gabri Veiga,” Romano explained on the Here We Go Podcast.
“He’s more of a quality player, but he’s an electric player, I really like him, he’s one of the best talents in the world. Liverpool are one of the most interested clubs in this player, we had reports of a done deal with Newcastle, that is not the case at all, Liverpool are really interested in Gabri Veiga.
“This is a big opportunity for Liverpool and they are thinking about that, is the player worth the money? Is this what we need?”
But Veiga’s £34m release clause is also tempting Chelsea, with Romano now revealing that the Blues have taken the same steps as Liverpool.
Romano tweeted: ‘Chelsea have inquired on Spanish talent Gabri Veiga’s release clause; conditions, payment terms or chance to negotiate with Celta Vigo. No bid or concrete steps as of now.
‘#CFC Liverpool did exactly the same earlier this week, he’s one of the players #LFC are following.’
Veiga could join Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are ‘closing in on an agreement’ to sign the Senegal international, who caught the eye with nine goals in the last eight La Liga games of the season.
Personal terms have been agreed and 90min report that talks are progressing with Villarreal over the transfer fee.
Jackson has a £30m release clause in his contract but it’s thought Chelsea will pay that fee in installments rather than with one up-front payment.
The 21-year-old would be the first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era at Chelsea, though reports suggest the Blues will look to sign another striker this summer after a Premier League season which saw them score just 38 goals.
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