Report: Real Madrid beats Barcelona to Ceballos signing
Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Real Betis to sign fancy dribbler Dani Ceballos for €18 million, according to Marca's Jose Felix Diaz.
To beat Barcelona to his signature, Madrid appears to have offered Betis more than the midfielder's stipulated €15-million release clause.
Ceballos reportedly preferred a move to the two-time defending European champion. He is now set to sign a six-year contract with Los Blancos.
It is a substantial blow to Barcelona's recruitment efforts ahead of Ernesto Valverde's first season in charge. The return of Gerard Deulofeu is the extent of the Catalans' business thus far.
Madrid is expected to complete the deal this weekend, with Ceballos scheduled to join his new teammates during their pre-season tour of the United States.
The 20-year-old should pave the way for James Rodriguez to leave the club, and give reported suitors Manchester United, Chelsea, and AC Milan a lift in potential negotiations.
A finalist with Spain at last month's European Under-21 Championship, Ceballos earned Player of the Tournament honours.
During the preceding 2016-17 campaign, he registered two goals and two assists, and also ranked third in La Liga with 2.7 successful dribbles.