Step one of Liverpool's midfield overhaul has been completed after Alexis Mac Allister was unveiled as the first signing of the summer.
The engine room is the main area for improvement for the Reds after their disappointing campaign which saw the department exploited on the pitch while injuries impacted selection options throughout the campaign. Three of the departing four free agents were previously considered as selection alternatives for Jurgen Klopp, leaving a gap that needs to be addressed this summer.
A number of midfielders are being linked with switches to Anfield.
One of which is Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga who is also said to be courting interest from the Reds' Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Chelsea. So, what do you need to know about the target?
READ MORE: Liverpool have new top midfield target as Kheprhen Thuram agent sparks transfer intrigue
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Who is Gabri Veiga?
Gabri Veiga is a 21-year-old midfielder who has risen through the academy system at Celta Vigo before breaking into the first team.
The Spanish U21 international has four years remaining on his contract at Abanca Balaídos. It was a far from ideal season for the Vigo side as they battled to avoid relegation to the second tier of Spanish football on the final day of the season.
Veiga was the inspiration as he scored twice to down newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona to maintain their status in the top-flight. It capped an impressive season for the centre-midfielder as he scored 11 goals in 36 appearances in the Spanish league, adding four assists.
He has courted interest from Premier League clubs with reports that he has a £34m release clause in his current deal at his boyhood club.
Like many of Klopp's signings, Veiga offers versatility in midfield where he can play attacking midfield, defensive midfield and in between.
What has been reported about Liverpool's interest?
Earlier this month (June 5), the Northern ECHO reported that Newcastle United were in the hunt for the midfielder but Liverpool were "firm favourites" to sign the Spaniard.
They say that the Magpies are far from the only club targeting him after his breakthrough season in La Liga. Liverpool's interest was reportedly at an advanced stage.
Real Madrid and Chelsea are also linked in the article but Anfield was regarded as his likeliest destination.
What has Gabri Veiga said about his future?
The 21-year-old is preparing for the U21 European Championships in Georgia and Romania this summer. As their eyes remain fixed on being crowned champions of Europe, Veiga dismissed chat on his future.
"I’m not here to talk about my future, only my present. I want to be in the final [squad] of the Europeans," he said at a press conference. "It’s been a bit of a mess. I left my [agent] and then I took some time off. I went with the one that I think is the best and I think I’ve matured a lot.
"I don’t think about my future, I want to live in the present and the national team. What I want for my future is to be in the European Championship, because there is still the final list, and then to win it. I am here in the national team, in a very nice challenge."
What does the Liverpool ECHO understand?
The ECHO's Paul Gorst wrote in his recent article 'Liverpool have new top midfield target as Khephren Thuram agent sparks transfer intrigue': "Khephren Thuram of OGC Nice in Ligue 1 is under real consideration and it was interesting to hear Konate speak with such openness about links to his international colleague this week.
"Elsewhere on Liverpool's longer-than-usual shortlist are Borussia Mochengladbach's Manu Kone and Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo, while Southampton's 19-year-old Romeo Lavia has his admirers after impressing in his maiden season in the Premier League following a move from Manchester City last year."
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