Liverpool have made an official offer for Celta Vigo attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Deportes COPE Galicia (via Estadio Deportivo).

The Reds have offered €25m (£21.6m), which is significantly below the Spanish Under 21 international’s €40m (£34m) release clause.

However, it is believed that Jurgen Klopp’s side are willing to loan Veiga back to Celta for the rest of next season. The Spanish side have not made a decision on the proposal yet but there is a feeling that they may wait and see whether other clubs are prepared to pay more for the player.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been mentioned as potential suitors for the 21-year-old but none of them has so far made a bid of their own.

A former Liverpool manager could play a part in talks

Rafa Benitez was appointed as Celta’s new head coach in the summer and, while he has not been party to any discussions regarding Veiga’s future up until now, he may still have an influential role.

If it comes to a point where a number of Premier League teams have made similar offers for the midfielder, you can bet that Benitez would try and persuade him into making a switch to Anfield.

Signing a number six is the club’s main priority

While signing Veiga and loaning him back for the season is something that could make a lot of sense, the Reds have more immediate concerns.

The departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho mean that the Merseysiders need reinforcements right away. Recruiting a holding midfielder is right at the top of the list, but the club are in danger of going into their first Premier League fixture without one.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are trying to bring in Romeo Lavia from Southampton. However, after having had two bids rejected for the Belgian, it looks like it might be a while before the transfer is finalised.