Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino has "made direct contact" with representatives for Liverpool-linked Gabri Veiga as he attempts to convince the highly-rated starlet to sign for Chelsea instead.
That's according to reports from Spanish publication Relevo as the Reds continue to chase further midfield targets after signing Alexis Mac Allister for an undisclosed fee. Jurgen Klopp and his Anfield recruitment team have already been linked with countless names; including Khephren Thuram, Ryan Gravenberch and Veiga.
Having earned rave reviews for Celta Vigo last season - despite their scrap against relegation - the young Spaniard will represent his country at the upcoming U21 European Championships in Romania and Georgia. After that, though, there could be an almighty queue for his signature.
Celta are braced for offers for the 21-year-old and Veiga has a €40m (£34.4m) release clause in his contract. Chelsea and Liverpool are deemed to be front-runners for the player.
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As per the same article, Pochettino - who has replaced Graham Potter and Frank Lampard at the Stamford Bridge helm - is so keen to snap up Veiga that he has called his representatives to make Chelsea's interest known. As yet, though, no formal approach has been made.
Newcastle United are another side reckoned to have Veiga in their sights.
After shelving initial plans to target Jude Bellingham - due to the immense financial costs involved in his switch to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer - Liverpool promptly switched up attentions to Mac Allister and they even signed the World Cup winner before the market reopened.
While continuing to monitor further players, the Reds are also striving to bring in a left-sided central defender this summer. Veiga, meanwhile, can operate in several positions up and down the engine room.
