Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has branded Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga "an excellent player" amid the ongoing speculation surrounding a potential summer move.
The 20-year-old has been in impressive form for the Sky Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering four assists in 27 La Liga appearances.
A number of the biggest clubs in world football, including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool, are believed to be interested in signing him this summer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the Spaniard, who has three years left to run on his contract in Vigo.
Veiga will face Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night, and ahead of the league contest, Ancelotti was full of praise for the youngster during his press conference.
© Reuters
"I like him, he is an excellent player who has something special," said Ancelotti when directly asked about the midfielder, who has been capped at Under-21 level by Spain.
According to AS, Real Madrid will closely monitor Veiga during Saturday's match, with the midfielder set to undergo an audition at the Bernabeu.
The report claims that the midfielder is keen to make the move to the Spanish giants during this summer's transfer window over any other club.
Veiga has a €40m (£35m) release clause in his contract, and Celta president Carlos Mourino has insisted that the youngster will not be allowed to leave for under his buy-out fee this summer.
© Reuters
Real Madrid are also being heavily linked with Jude Bellingham, but they could ultimately be priced out of a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
BVB are believed to want upwards of £100m for the England international, which could prove to be a problematic fee for Ancelotti's side this summer.
Real Madrid are currently well-stocked in central midfield, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both believed to be on the verge of signing new one-year deals until June 2024.
Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are all important players for the Spanish and European champions.
There remains uncertainty surrounding Dani Ceballos's future, though, with the Spaniard only having a contract at Bernabeu until the end of June.
No Data Analysis info