Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga 'on the verge of joining Newcastle' in £35m deal

Newcastle are reportedly closing in on completing a deal for Celta Vigo's rising star Gabri Veiga.

Veiga has broken into the Celta first team this season, and despite the team finding themselves in a relegation battle, he has been a standout performer, registering nine goals and four assists.

Mail Sport has previously reported that Manchester City and Real Madrid have been tracking the attacking midfielder, along with Newcastle.

The Magpies are now on the verge of finalising their first signing of the summer, with Veiga expected to move to St James' Park, according to Marca.

The 21-year-old's contract with his current employers runs until 2026, but Celta have been unable to improve the terms of his deal.

He has a £35m release clause, a fee Newcastle are happy to pay, and Celta are now resigned to losing him.

Veiga recently changed agents and is now advised by Pini Zahavi, who is also the manager of Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.

This switch indicated that Veiga could be on the move this summer, and he now looks set to join Newcastle.

Bringing in Veiga would be a major coup for Eddie Howe's side, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of returning to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years next season.

Newcastle enjoyed an outstanding campaign to finish fourth this term, but Howe revealed he wants 'two teams of equal strength' at his disposal next year to cope with the intense schedule his side will face.

He has also stated he'd love to make a marquee signing, and the club have been linked with Barcelona winger Ferran Torres.

It promises to be an exciting summer for the north-east outfit as they look to build on their stunning 2022-23 season, and Veiga could be the first player through the door in the coming days.