06 June 2023 , 17:53
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Liverpool are set to fight with Chelsea for one of their top targets this summer following the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
Both clubs are bidding to overhaul their squad this summer, with Jurgen Klopp and co reeling from missing out on Champions League football. And after Liverpool's failed pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, Klopp has turned his attention to a host of other players, with a deal all but done for Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.
The Blues face a problem of a difficult kind, however. After their worst top flight finish in almost 30 years, their new Argentinian manager's first task will be to trim his bloated squad, following a string of underwhelming big-money moves overseen by owner Todd Boehly in the past 12 months.
But with Mason Mount set to head to Old Trafford to join Manchester United, and Kai Havertz being chased by Real Madrid, Pochettino also wants incomings too. And the club have now entered the frame to sign Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga, who sealed his team's LaLiga survival with both goals in a 2-1 win over champions Barcelona on Sunday.
The 21-year-old star has already been the subject of interest from Anfield, and according to The Guardian, the Reds will officially make their move once Mac Allister is through the door. But with the Spaniard's release clause standing at £34.4 million, a relatively modest fee in the current frenzied market, Pochettino is keen for his new club to make an offer.
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Veiga made 39 appearances in all competitions for Celta last season, scoring 11 goals. And his displays were recognised in February when he was handed the LaLiga player of the month award.
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Gabri Veiga has starred at Celta Vigo this season (Getty Images)But both Premier League clubs may also have to deal with reported interest closer to home for the Under-21 international. Veiga has previously been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his starring role against the Catalan giants on the weekend only likely to further propel him into their summer plans.
The youngster isn't Pochetinno's only planned reinforcement, with a battle also ensuing with Arsenal to sign Brighton player Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian will cost considerably more that Veiga though, with the Seagulls reportedly asking for around £80million having negotiated a new contract with him in January.
Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also being linked with a move to West London. The Belgian holding midfielder, one of the few shining lights for the Saints amid relegation from the Premier League, has already been capped by his country at just 19.