Liverpool 'take the lead' in race to sign Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga

Liverpool are now leading the race to sign Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga this summer, according to a new report from Spain.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been a revelation in La Liga this season, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 36 appearances.

He was named the division's Player of the Month for February, and has earned comparisons to Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta.

It was against Iniesta's former side that he further grew his rapidly increasing reputation in the footballing world. In a game that Celta needed to win to stay in La Liga, they defeated Barcelona 2-1 on Sunday, with Veiga scoring both goals.

Those may be the final two competitive goals that the attacking midfielder scores in a Vigo shirt.

A host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle, have been linked with an interest in signing the Spain youth international, with local outlet Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness) claiming that he would 'fulfil [his] dream' by joining the Gunners.

However, Liverpool have reportedly now surged ahead in the race.

Liverpool keen on Veiga

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the Reds have now 'taken the lead' in the battle to sign the 20-year-old this summer.

It is claimed that Liverpool see Veiga as a player that can spearhead their new-look midfield, certainly in an attacking sense, with manager Jurgen Klopp also said to be an admirer of the young midfielder.

Furthermore, the report adds that Veiga is 'seduced' by Klopp's commitment to giving opportunities to young players - something he has shown willingness to do on a number of occasions since his arrival at Anfield in 2015.

As is customary in Spanish football, the midfielder possesses a release clause, which is believed to be €40 million.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo in March, Vigo president Carlos Mourino admitted that it was out of his club's hands as to whether Veiga stays beyond this summer - but stated that interested clubs would have to pay his release clause in full.

He explained: "We do not want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can [not] do anything.

"For us, and to make it clear, he is not for sale. We have nothing to negotiate with anyone. We refer to the clause. The decision is Gabri's - he will play wherever he wants."