Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino insists club sensation Gabriel Veiga will only leave the club if his release clause is triggered.
The 20-year-old sensation is attracting interest from some of Europe’s heavyweights, including Real Madrid and Newcastle United, following a sensational breakout campaign.
Veiga progressed through the youth ranks at Celta before establishing himself in the first-team set up, where he has delivered nine goals and three assists in 25 La Liga appearances this season.
Veiga’s impressive statistics makes him the club’s second-highest goal scorer this term, just three goals behind club legend Iago Aspas who has struck 12 times thus far.
The young Spaniard has a €40 million release clause in his contract, but that is unlikely to deter the host of clubs circling with interest in his signature.
“We do not want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us, and there is nothing we can do,” Mourino said (via Mundo Deportivo).
“We know some of their offers, and it is impossible to get there. There are several teams behind Gabri.”
Madrid are rumoured to have the most interest in the youngster, but Los Blancos are unwilling to match his release clause. They could instead table a €25m bid and use Castilla’s Rafa Marin as a makeweight.
However, Celta president Mourinos, while resolved to lose the midfielder this summer as the club cannot compete financially with suitors, has insisted he will not negotiate the player’s price tag.
“Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player,” Mourino added. “Of the top ten in the Premier [League], four have asked for him.
“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.”
