Real Madrid: Ceballos says 'yes'
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Dani Ceballos has said 'yes' to a summer move to Real Madrid.
The Real Betis midfielder was on Friday given a 24-hour ultimatum by Real to make a decision over his future, and his response has been categorical: he only wants to play at the Bernabéu.
As a result, Ceballos's representative, Margarita Garay, has stepped up talks with Real director José Ángel Sánchez in a bid to tie up the terms of his contract.
Ceballos agreement set for confirmation in coming days
Barring any surprise setbacks, a deal will be announced this weekend or on Monday.
Real on Friday intensified their efforts to complete the signing of the Spain Under-21 star as Los Blancos' players return to work on Monday, and head coach Zinedine Zidane wants to know at that point who he'll have at his disposal in 2017/18.
As part of their contract proposal to Ceballos, the club have guaranteed him a place in the first-team squad (the initial plan had been to loan him out, either back to Betis or to another LaLiga side, in his first season).
AS has learned that Real believe their offer - understood to be a five or six-year deal - to be "a considerable one both in financial and sporting terms".
Barcelona still trying to sign Ceballos from under Real's noses
All the while, Barcelona's efforts to persuade Ceballos to choose the Camp Nou continue. However, the player appears set on Madrid.
Barça's inability to secure Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti has seen them turn with increasing urgency to the 20-year-old, but Los Azulgranas look to have been beaten to the punch by their arch rivals.
Real Madrid-Real Betis deal not likely to be problematic
Reaching an agreement with Betis is not expected to be a major hurdle for Real, as the release clause in Ceballos's contract is set at a very affordable 15m euros.
Nevertheless, Los Merengues could well pay a higher figure for him in a bid to maintain the good relations they enjoy with the Seville-based outfit.
