From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City identify 21-year-old La Liga star as Declan Rice alternative

Manchester City have joined the race for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, after ending their pursuit of West Ham captain Declan Rice.

The treble-winners have decided against launching a second bid for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, after Arsenal made a £105 million offer for the 24 year-old late on Tuesday night.

Manchester City are now searching for alternatives to the Hammers captain, as the Sky Blues seek to replace Ilkay Gundogan, who is leaving the Etihad Stadium to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer.

Rice was one of three main transfer targets alongside Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol for City this summer, however the Blues are now looking at other options, which include Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga, according to an exclusive report by Fabrizio Romano.

The 21 year-old has a €40 million release clause, and after pulling out of the race for Rice, the Spain midfielder is one of the options now being considered by the Premier League champions.

Manchester City are the third club to show an interest in signing Veiga this summer, alongside rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.

Veiga was directly involved in 15 goals in 36 appearances for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season.

The 21 year-old can play throughout the midfield, with the ability to occupy both an attacking and defensive midfield role, as well as primarily playing centrally.

The Celta Vigo midfielder is currently competing at the U21 European Championships in Georgia, and has featured in all three Group Stage matches for Spain, who have qualified for the quarter-finals.

Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez is also part of the Spain U21 squad for the tournament, while Rodri and Aymeric Laporte recently helped the Spain national team to UEFA Nations League glory.

The Sky Blues’ interest in Veiga comes following Arsenal’s record-breaking bid for Rice, with City having seen a £90 million offer rejected earlier this week.