Marcos Llorente: Betis approach Madrid over loan deal
Real Betis vice president Serra Ferrer was at the Bernabéu last Friday to discuss a season-long loan for the Spain u21 international, and Dani Ceballos.
Real Betis have launched an audacious attempt to sign Real Madrid's Marcos Llorente on loan for the 2017/18 season.
Llorente: Betis and Madrid hold meeting
Last Friday, Lorenzo Serra Ferrer (the Betis vice president) met José Ángel Sánchez (the Real Madrid general director), at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The defensive midfielder excelled on loan at Alavés last season. Llorente played 38 times for the club as they newly-promoted team stormed to a ninth-place finish, and reached the final of the Copa del Rey. He provided two assists, and completed 86.35% of his passes over the course of the season.
It was thought that Llorente would form part of Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid squad, to provide cover for Casemiro. Yet the 22 year old has been unequivocal in his desire to play games at this stage of his career:
"I want to triumph at Madrid, but I wouldn't like to be on the bench, even if it is at the best club in the world," Llorente said.
Alavés have made it clear to Madrid that in the case of Llorente becoming available for loan, they would be eager to take him back to the Basque country.
Dani Ceballos discussed
During the meeting between Serra Ferrer and José Ángel Sánchez, Dani Ceballos also arose as a topic of conversation. The Betis midfielder, currently on Spain u21 duty with Llorente, is drawing attention from Madrid.
Their neighbours, Atlético, have held a strong interest in the player for over a year.