Monaco and Real Betis reportedly both attempted to sign Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
There was widespread speculation surrounding Ceballos' future during the recent transfer market, with a number of clubs believed to have been in touch with Los Blancos to discuss the possibility of signing the Spaniard.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Monaco made a loan offer for Ceballos in the final stages of the window, while Real Betis were keen on a permanent deal, but Real Madrid ultimately decided to keep hold of the 28-year-old.
Ceballos started Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Real Betis on Sunday, but he was unable to complete the match due to a serious ankle injury, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the next three months.
© Imago
Monaco, Real Betis 'attempted' to sign Ceballos
The Spaniard is down the pecking order when it comes to the starting roles in midfield, but recent injuries to Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham have opened the door for the midfielder to feature in two of Real Madrid's last three league games.
Ceballos would also have been in line for action after the international break, but he will now be on the sidelines until December recovering from an ankle problem.
The midfielder has a contract at Bernabeu until June 2027, but his future is again expected to be the subject of speculation next summer, with Los Blancos thought to be planning to bring in a central midfielder in 2025.
Luka Modric is likely to depart when his contract expires next year, while the club did not bring in a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired over the summer.
© Reuters
Which players left Real Madrid over the summer?
Despite again being a vital player for Real Madrid last season, Kroos decided to hang up his boots after representing Germany at the European Championship.
Nacho and Joselu also departed for Saudi Arabia and Qatar respectively, while Rafa Marin was the biggest exit in terms of a transfer fee, making the switch to Napoli.
Juanmi Latasa joined Real Valladolid, while there were two loan exits at Real Madrid over the summer, with Reinier moving to Granada, and Alvaro Rodriguez heading to Getafe.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was on loan at Real Madrid last term, but the Spanish goalkeeper headed back to parent club Chelsea over the summer and has since joined Bournemouth on loan.
Matt Law
