Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are now ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea in the race for Gabri Veiga, according to a report.

According to Transfer Room, Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the race for Celta de Vigo central midfielder Gabri Veiga.

The report has claimed Chelsea “were pushing hard” for the 21-year-old central midfielder, but the Blues “have now taken a step back and are assessing other targets”.

Liverpool are ahead of any other club in the race for Veiga, but they are not willing to pay the €40 million (£34 million) release clause in the contract of the midfielder, according to the report.

We think Liverpool should just pay the money if they want Gabri Veiga and have to spend €40 million (£34 million) to get him.

The Reds’ efforts to reduce the transfer money necessary to sign the Spain Under-21 international are useless.

Liverpool should activate the midfielder’s release clause and sign him to a contract at Anfield if they truly like him and think he will be a fantastic addition.

Veiga played for Celta in La Liga last year, making 28 starts and 8 substitute appearances.

In those contests, the midfielder contributed four assists along with 11 goals.