Real target Ceballos focused on Betis – Mel

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel insisted Dani Ceballos will be in the squad for the team’s opening La Liga match, despite interest from Real Madrid.

Ceballos – out of contract at the end of the 2015-16 season – has been linked with a move to Real in recent weeks after playing a key role in Spain’s successful Under-19 European Championship campaign.

Real are reportedly willing to loan the 18-year-old back to Betis, however Mel is confident of keeping hold of the starlet.

“I’m taking it as a fact that Dani will be here for the league game against Villarreal [on August 23],” Mel was quoted as saying by Mel.

“He’s a cocky lad and he won’t be affected by everything that’s going on. He’s more worried about getting his driving licence.”

Ceballos helped Betis secure promotion to Spain’s top flight last season, scoring five goals in 33 league appearances.