CHELSEA are set to turn their sights to Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga after missing out on top target Manuel Ugarte.
Veiga, 21, has enjoyed a breakout season for Celta and has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Europe.
According to The Guardian, the midfielder has a £34.4million release clause in his contract.
The attacking midfielder made 36 appearances in LaLiga this season, scoring 11 times and registering six assists.
Veiga’s runs from midfield and slick finishing have seen fans dub him the ‘Baby Kaka’.
The move comes as new coach Mauricio Pochettino seeks to remodel his bloated Chelsea squad.
READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
Chelsea’s interest in Veiga comes after the club failed in an ambitious move for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Blues withdrew from the race after PSG offered the player a superior financial package.
The West London club denied a report in L’Equipe that they were prepared to buy a stake in Sporting in order to secure the deal.
Veiga’s potential incoming comes amid reports that a number of Chelsea players will be moved on this summer.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Kai Havertz is reportedly ‘on the verge’ of a transfer to Real Madrid after the club identified him as a top target to replace Karim Benzema.
Benzema joined Saudi side Al-Ittihad and is set to earn £342m over the course of his contract.
N’Golo Kante is close to following the Ballon D’Or winner to the club with Al-Ittihad set to offer the midfielder an £86m a year contract according to Fabrizio Romano.
Matteo Kovacic could be the next name out of the Chelsea exit door after Manchester City opened talks with the midfielder ahead of a summer transfer.
And academy product Mason Mount looks set to join Manchester United this summer after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils last week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
