Report: Real Betis' Ceballos prefers Real Madrid amid offer from Barcelona

When Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique celebrated Spain's conquest of Euro 2012 with the flag of Catalonia, Dani Ceballos wrote on Twitter: "Out of the country, Catalans!" It was just one of many incidents that advertised his hatred of the autonomous community.

While that was five years ago, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Ceballos, 20, a product of Real Betis Balompie, is reportedly hoping there's space for him at Real Madrid despite an offer from Barcelona.

The Spanish midfielder's slight preference is to move to Real Madrid, according to Marca's David G. Medina. However, the Andalusian footballer is apparently aware that Los Blancos are stocked with midfielders, and there's room for him at Barcelona, which is offering a four-year deal with the option of an additional year.

Per Marca's Miguel A Moran, Ceballos and his agent from Bahia International met with Real Betis on Tuesday, and he is taking his time before deciding his next move. As he exited the Estadio Benito Villamarin, he was mobbed by reporters, and asked if a decision had been made, to which he declared: "You will see me speak in two weeks."

Real Madrid is reportedly the front-runner in the race for Ceballos' signature, as Los Blancos are willing to pay €20 million, €5 million more than the figure in his release clause. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also reportedly following the youngster, while Real Betis would like to keep him.

"We want it to be for a long time," Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, Los Beticos' sporting vice-president, said. "It's the desire that we have and I express it as sporting vice-president and responsible for the sporting part."

Ceballos tallied two goals and two assists through 30 La Liga appearances last season. His best performance came in Real Betis' 1-1 draw against Barcelona. Los Beticos took the game to the Blaugrana, and the youngster was the best player on the pitch, hitting the post.

At the international level, Ceballos represented Spain at the European Under-21 Championship, where he was named the first winner of the Player of the Tournament award. La Roja lost 1-0 to Germany in the final.

"It's a bittersweet feeling," Ceballos said. "I'm pleased to be the best player but right now I'd swap the trophy to be a (European) champion."