Liverpool make move to clear first of two ‘hurdles’ in Gabri Viega transfer battle

Liverpool are still looking for at least one more midfield signing after Alexis Mac Allister’s arrival.

Liverpool have reportedly made their initial move to sign Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo with a ‘substantial offer’, but that’s only half the requirement needed to make a deal happen. It was a quick start to the transfer window for Liverpool as they snapped up Alexis Mac Allister in a deal reported to be worth £35million.

But more midfield signings are expected after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left as free agents. A host of names have been linked to Anfield such as Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Ryan Gravenberch and Nicolo Barella.

Discussions are said to be taking place behind the scenes, but Jurgen Klopp will want new signings in place in the early stages of pre-season. Liverpool’s players are expected back at the start of next month before heading to Germany for a training camp.

Bringing in at least one more midfielder will be a priority for Klopp and Viega could be Liverpool’s main target. According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have offered Veiga a contract reported to be worth around £95,000 a week.

It’s suggested that deal would be appealing to the talented Spanish midfielder, but meeting his contractual requirements is not the only ‘hurdle’ for Liverpool to overcome. The report also points out that Veiga’s buyout clause with Celta Vigo is seemingly non-negotiable.

But if Liverpool supporters are expecting him to completely transform their midfield fortunes, they were handed a reality check on this occasion.

The Nice starlet started alongside fellow Liverpool-linked team-mate Manu Kone in midfield for Les Bleus and it was the Borussia Monchengladbach man who made a lasting impression.

Kone left with the Man of the Match award which he proudly boasted on Thuram’s Instagram story.

The industrious Gladbach maestro was everything and displayed his fine tackling and tendency to shoot from range. His energy really stood out throughout a chaotic encounter that France eventually won 2-1 following late controversy.

While Thuram did not set the world alight, there were huge moments of promise as he displayed his eye-catching dribbling ability and desire to arrive in the box

He was key to transforming defence into attack and for that reason, it’s easy to see why Jurgen Klopp is a firm admirer of his qualities.

There were shades of Gini Wijnaldum to his play with his ball retention skills and low centre of gravity.

However, it must also be noted that Thuram is evidently still very raw at the young age of 22 and there are still plenty of areas for improvement.

There is no doubt that Liverpool’s scouts and recruitment team will also have been casting an eye over this closely-contested tournament opener, although they’re clearly already impressed with what they have seen so far having conducted plenty of homework.

Besides the flashes of promise, there were two particularly memorable moments involving the Nice man from this end-to-end encounter.

After great work from former Nice team-mate Amine Gouiri, Thuram was slid through on goal as he burst into the box with real intent.

But he seemed to lose his footing following a heavy touch as a huge chance went begging for France.

Shortly after, Thuram was left helplessly frozen to the spot when he was savagely nutmegged in the middle of the park. He immediately looked to the sky in disgust with himself.