Tottenham are in talks with Real Madrid over a move for Dani Ceballos, according to Sky Sports (live transfer blog, 11.08am).
However, there are some noted complications to a potential deal, not least the fact that the midfielder ultimately wants to stay at Madrid and would prefer a loan deal.
The 22-year-old has four years left on his contract and has a massive €500million release clause.
El Desmarque reported back in May that Spurs would be willing to spend up to £43.9million to land the player.
VERDICT
Pochettino is said to be a big fan of Ceballos and has assured him that he would play first-team football next season with 40+ appearances for the club, according to the Express. However, it’s also been reported that Pochettino doesn’t want to sign him on loan unless the deal contains an option for him to make it permanent next summer. Ceballos might be considered surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu but he’s absolutely dazzled for the Spain Under-21 side. Stats show the 22-year-old makes 91.3 passes per 90 minutes with a 90.5% success rate for his country. He makes an average of 4.73 long passes with a 67.5% accuracy and made 7.87 dribbles per 90 with an 81.2% success rate. [wyscout.com] With these stats and his age, he would seem to be tailor-made for Pochettino and for the current Tottenham team. Can Poch convince him that he should embrace north London and turn his back on Real?