‘Madrid not interested in Ceballos’

Real Betis President Juan Carlos Ollero has reiterated there’s been no Real Madrid approach for Dani Ceballos as the club presented Heiko Westermann.

Westermann has moved to the Primera new boys on a free transfer after leaving Hamburg, reunited with Rafael Van Der Vaart, a teammate in Germany.

“I spoke to Van Der Vaart before coming and he told me good things about the club. But the decision was taken because of [Coach] Pepe Mel and [sporting director] Eduardo Macia,” Westermann revealed, AS reports.

“We have to work hard to stay up. I come to offer my experience after a long time in the Bundesliga. I have a lot to offer. Mel has asked me to speak Spanish as soon as possible.”

Macia added that with Westermann’s arrival, and the free transfer addition of Juan Manuel Vargas, Betis wouldn’t be bringing in any more defensive players.

“It’s not a question of just signing anyone, but bringing in the best, for what we need, and that is Heiko,” Macia said.

“With Westermann and Vargas, the defensive side is closed. We’ll assess which players will continue or not in the project.”

Macia also said Betis was the best place for Ceballos to develop, claiming the club has a responsibility to help him improve.

Ollero added regarding Ceballos that the club haven’t had any offers for the teenager, wouldn’t welcome any, and still hoped to agree a new contract.

“There’s nothing new. It’s not true Madrid have shown interest in the player. Our intention is to renew his contract,” he insisted.

“Madrid will have enough courtesy to talk to us about the player if they are interested.”

Picture via @DaniCeballos46

Tags Dani Ceballos Heiko Westermann
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