Dani Ceballos is ‘a step away’ from joining Real Madrid following the Real Betis midfielder’s starring role in the European U21 Championships, say reports.
According to Diario AS, the 20-year-old could join Los Blancos on a six-year deal, although he would immediately be loaned back to Betis for a season as he does not wish to leave the club immediately.
The Seville-native has a €15m release clause at Estadio Benito Villamarin but Madrid are reportedly prepared to pay more than this in order to maintain strong relations between the clubs.
“Real Madrid currently has a sporting strategy geared towards young players, although not all end up playing here of course," said a coy Madrid president Florentino Perez on Tuesday on esRadio when questioned on Ceballos.
Estadio Deportivo meanwhile speculate fellow U21 midfielder Marcos Llorente could move to Los Verdiblancos on a season-long loan stint as part of any deal, following a spell at Alaves.