Liverpool close to signing Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos

Ceballos has been tipped to leave Real Madrid for Liverpool as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona at the weekend.

The midfielder has found game time hard to come by at the Bernabeu following his summer move from Real Betis.

And Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim he is edging closer towards a move to Anfield.

It is said his agent has been locked in talks with the Reds, though four other unnamed clubs are keen to snap him up.

Liverpool, however, can be deemed favourites given the financial muscle they have at their disposal.

Ceballos is unlikely to command a huge fee given his lack of game time at Real.

But the Reds, fuelled by the £142m received for Coutinho, Liverpool have the resources to beat any club to the 21-year-old’s signature.

Diario Gol say, however, that Zinedine Zidane may be an obstacle to any potential deal.

The Frenchman is under pressure at the Bernabeu with Real Madrid currently 16 points behind Barcelona at the summit.

Difficulties of January transfer windows mean Real face a fight to improve their squad this month.

And Zidane supposedly does not want to let Ceballos go midway through the season.

Other names who could sign for Liverpool include Thomas Lemar and Riyad Mahrez.

But whether Jurgen Klopp lands his man in Ceballos remains to be seen.

Source: Daily Express

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