Liverpool officials meet ex-Reds boss for talks over Gabri Veiga

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Celta Vigo over the potential signing of Gabri Veiga, and could get the help of one ex-Reds boss.

According to sports broadcaster and transfer specialist Ben Jacobs, a 'senior' official at Liverpool recently had a conversation with Rafa Benitez — now in charge of Celta — over the potential signing of the 21-year-old midfield star.

Jacobs claims that Veiga is adamant about getting instant game time under his belt, so the Reds have reportedly discussed the idea of snapping up him and loaning him back to Celta Vigo for the forthcoming season.

Jacobs said: “Liverpool haven’t moved for Veiga, but they scouted him and there was a recent conversation between someone senior at Liverpool and Rafa Benitez. The feeling was that there might be an opportunity to sign and loan back because the player’s so adamant that if he moves to a big Premier League club, he needs instant game time.”

Veiga has been linked with a host of top European clubs including Chelsea and PSG and is believed to have a €40m (£34m) buyout clause in his contract, according to The Guardian. The Spaniard recently featured at the European Under-21 Championships and delivered a string of eye-catching displays as La Roja were beaten 1-0 in the final by England.

The 21-year-old midfielder also played a starring role for Celta last season as he chipped in with an impressive tally of 11 goals from 36 La Liga appearances for the club.

Veiga's crowning moment came on the last game of the 2022/23 campaign as he scored a match-winning brace against Barcelona to confirm Celta's top-flight status, as he left the pitch to a standing ovation from his fans.

Liverpool could well sign two more midfielders between now and the end of the transfer window, having already snapped up Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The Reds remain locked in talks to sign Southampton's Romeo Lavia and are expected to submit an improved offer, after having an initial bid rejected by the Saints.