Madrid speed up Ceballos talks?

Real Madrid have reportedly sped up their negotiations for Dani Ceballos, amidst interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

According to AS, Madrid have arranged a meeting with Betis on Monday or Tuesday with the intention of concluding a deal for Ceballos “as soon as possible”.

Although the midfielder’s release clause stands at €15m, the newspaper explains Los Blancos could offer as much as €20m in order to dissuade their rivals from a bidding war.

Furthermore, the 20-year-old “wants to play at the Santiago Bernabeu and isn’t contemplating the possibility of joining any other club at present.”

However, his wish would not be granted until next year as Madrid plan to loan him back to Betis for the upcoming campaign.

Elsewhere, AS claims Barca are hoping to “take advantage” of Cristian Tello’s recent sale to Betis, while Lorenzo Serra Ferrer – a former Blaugrana Coach, now Vice-President of Los Verdiblancos – would prefer Ceballos to end up at Camp Nou.

Moreover, the Catalans are said to have identified the Spain Under-21 international as a future replacement for Andres Iniesta, meaning he would see game time as the latter is phased out.

Atleti, meanwhile, almost signed Ceballos last summer, suggests the publication, and followed him “very closely” throughout the past season.

The starlet has also attracted interest from clubs in England and Italy, but AS believes his priority is to stay in Spain and not separate from his family.

The Andalusians, for their part, have offered Ceballos a new deal but are now “resigned” to losing Ceballos, who was named Player of the Tournament at the recent European Under-21 Championship.

Tags Dani Ceballos
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