Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing rumoured Liverpool target Gabri Veiga if Mason Mount is sold this summer, with Manchester United eyeing the playmaker.
According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are ready to move for the Celta Vigo wonderkid if their Cobham academy graduate departs, with United still the leading to sign Mount despite having a third bid rejected for the former Liverpool target.
As per the report, Chelsea face competition for Veiga in the form of Manchester City, with Newcastle United and Liverpool also chasing the Spanish youth international, who is expected to leave Spain this summer with his release clause standing at €40m (£34m).
Chelsea’s interest in Veiga as a replacement for Mount comes as a one-two blow for the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp’s side interested in both players as Liverpool look to overhaul their midfield options this summer, a process that could now be slowed down because of this update.
Indeed, Veiga looked certain to join Liverpool with the Reds keen on moving for the La Liga talent. However, with Chelsea now lining up the midfielder as a replacement for Mount, the Blues could add even more misery to their Premier League rivals with this one deal.
Chelsea selling Mount to United and signing Veiga will sting for Liverpool
Liverpool are aware that they must add to their midfield before the start of pre-season, and Chelsea can inflict a huge blow to the Anfield giants if they sign Veiga as a replacement for the United-linked Mount, two players who could have been perfect for Klopp.
As we know, Liverpool want at least one more midfielder to add to Alexis Mac Allister. And Veiga or Mount could have been ideal given their styles of play, with both players also perfect for a coach like Klopp, who could get the best out of either talent.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
