Real Madrid target Celta Vigo sensation Gabriel Veiga | OneFootball

Real Madrid are interested in Celta Vigo central midfielder Gabriel Veiga, according to Sport.

The youngster has netted nine goals and three assists in 25 appearances in La Liga this season. He replaced Denis Suarez, who has been frozen out of the first team.

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

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

Luka Modric is still delivering world-class performances, but he cannot keep going for much longer. The 37-year-old struggles to play for 90 minutes these days.

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 retiring at the end of this season. He 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 was replaced in the second half.

Celta will reportedly demand around €40 million for Veiga, which is the release clause in his contract.

Madrid will likely add Castilla defender Rafa Marin in any offer they make to Celta.