Rafa Benitez could give Liverpool huge advantage in Gabri Veiga transfer battle

Liverpool could be handed an unexpected advantage in their pursuit of Spanish wonderkid Gabri Veiga.

Veiga has caught the eye of several top European clubs after impressing for La Liga side Celta Vigo.

The 21-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 times.

Celta president Carlos Mourino admitted back in April that Veiga will be 'bought from them', with the midfielder believed to have a £34m release clause in his contract at Vigo.

And it looks likely he will move clubs this summer, with several top Premier League sides interested in the Spain U21 international.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with a move for Veiga.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochetitino is a huge fan of Veiga and is said to have given the green light for the Blues to sign the midfielder this summer.

But they face strong competition, with Liverpool also reportedly considering a bid.

Benitez could give Liverpool advantage in Veiga transfer battle

The Merseyside club could have a major advantage in the battle to sign Veiga, with former Reds boss Rafael Benitez set to be named Celta Vigo's new manager.

Relevo claim Benitez will be announced as their new boss, potentially within 'hours'.

His positive relationship with Liverpool, who he famously won the Champions League with in 2005, could play into the hands of the Anfield club when it comes to negotiations for Veiga.

Benitez is, of course, also a former manager of Chelsea but has less fond memories of his time at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was an unpopular appointment when he was named interim manager of the Blues midway through the 2012-13 season after Roberto Di Matteo's departure.

Despite going on to clinch the Europa League trophy that season, Benitez failed to win over the Chelsea supporters and was later replaced by Jose Mourinho, who returned for his second spell at the club.

Topics: Liverpool, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Chelsea, Rafa Benitez, Rafael Benitez, Celta Vigo

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan