Real Madrid keeping an eye on Celta Vigo star Gabriel Veiga

Real Madrid are interested in Celta Vigo central midfielder Gabriel Veiga, according to Sport. They are eyeing him as a replacement for one of Toni Kroos or Luka Modric.

The youngster has shot out of the block this season with nine goals and three assists in 25 appearances in La Liga. He replaced Denis Suarez, whom the club froze out of the first team.

Veiga is the second top scorer in the Celta Vigo side, three goals behind club legend Iago Aspas (12). He is adept at arriving late in the box to finish off chances. He also has a terrific long-range shot in him.

His side struggled in La Liga this season, and Celta sacked Eduardo Coudet in November 2022 and hired Carlos Carvahal, who has taken them up to tenth. Both managers used the 20-year-old, who is continuing to flourish.

Real Madrid want to stay ahead of the queue for the Spanish talent. They know that Premier League clubs will soon come circling, but they want to keep him in Spain.

Luka Modric is 37 and still delivering world-class performances, but he cannot keep going for much longer. He is already struggling to play for 90 minutes these days.

Real Madrid want to give the Croatian maestro a contract until the end of next season. But they are also planning for a future without him.

Toni Kroos is leaning toward hanging his boot at the end of this season. The former Real Madrid man was never quick, but his superb long and short passing range allowed him to control games.

However, his powers are seriously waning. In the El Clasico tie last weekend, Barcelona’s midfield ran circles around him, and he had to come off in the second half.

Los Blancos are also considering options to replace the former Germany international.

Celta Vigo will reportedly demand around €40 million for the talent from their youth academy. It is the figure of his release clause, and they won’t negotiate a lower fee.

Real Madrid will likely add Castilla defender Rafa Marin in any offer to Celta Vigo.