Manchester City are expected to press ahead with a bid for Celtic Vigo attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee.

The journalist, who is known for his reliability when it comes to the Premier League champions, says the Spaniard is the club’s number one alternative to Jude Bellingham:

“They are interested in Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga, who turns 21 this month, which makes more sense now it seems unlikely Jude Bellingham will be coming.”

Veiga will cost a lot less than Bellingham, as he has a €40m (£35m) release clause, but that fee is also likely to attract plenty of other teams.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United have all been mentioned as potential suitors in recent weeks, although it does appear as if City are the team closest to making a formal approach for the Spanish Under 21 international.

It must be pointed out that Veiga is more of a no.10 so than someone like Bellingham, but he could potentially be a replacement for Bernardo Silva who has, again, hinted that he is considering leaving the Etihad.

Who is Gabri Veiga?

The midfielder came through Celta’s youth ranks and made his senior debut at the age of 17 for the B team in 2019.

Veiga then graduated to the first team setup in 2020 but he has only become a regular starter over the last twelve months, having made 35 appearances in all competitions this season.