Tottenham are plotting a swoop to sign Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the summer, according to El Desmarque.
The Spanish news outlet claims that Spurs are “willing to spend” up to £43.9million on the 22-year-old, who is also wanted by Juventus and North London rivals Arsenal.
Tottenham’s interest in the Spain international appears to be more serious than their competitors though and it is understood that the central midfielder is “one of the top candidates” to leave the Bernabeu in the summer as Zinedine Zidane aims to revamp the squad after a poor season.
Good move for Tottenham?
Ceballos might be a decent addition for Mauricio Pochettino in the summer because he is already short of one or two central midfield players and may find himself more in need of players in that position as next season approaches.
The former Real Betis midfielder has not had the best of time in the Spanish capital with just 56 appearances in all competitions since heading to the Bernabeu in July 2017, however he is certainly good enough to add strength in depth to Tottenham’s options.
The Spain international is a bit of a Jack of all trades in the midfield due to his strong passing and tackling ability.
Although he is not as physical as someone like Mousa Dembele, he could still have an impact for Spurs.
Ceballos might be a good signing but Spurs should not spend anywhere near £43.9million on a player who is clearly not wanted at his club.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Spurs are unlikely to make any concrete efforts to sign players until they have played the Champions League final against Liverpool on June 1, so until then, it remains to be seen just who will be heading to North London in what promises to be a big transfer window for Pochettino and Daniel Levy.
Ceballos looks as though he will be leaving Real Madrid but there are bound to be more clubs asking about him as the summer progresses.
This is Futbol rating 2/10