Dani Ceballos sees Betis return ruled out as La Liga side rule out move for Real Madrid man after Marseille drop interest

After Ceballos asked for a day to reflect on his move to France, Marseille didn't take much time to withdraw from the deal as president Pablo Longoria confirmed an end to their pursuit. With the Marseille deal off, Betis is being touted as his next preferred destination but given the financials involved, Estadio Deportivo reports a move is unlikely this summer until Los Blancos decides to lower their price tag on the player.

Betis are hell bent on getting Antony back to Villamarin this summer. Both Antony and Betis have worked together to make it to the end stages of the transfer window where they can push the deal on Manchester United on their terms. With Antony being the priority transfer, it's unlikely for Betis to spend on Ceballos, even though both the parties want a reunion. Madrid have made their stance clear in this regard and will not part ways with Ceballos unless an offer of around €15 million (£13m/$18m) is received.

Ceballos was unsure about moving to France as he considered it to be step back in his career. The ex-Arsenal player is willing to fight for his position under coach Xabi Alonso and isn't desperate to leave the club. Florentino Perez is willing to discuss a deal, however, isn't seeking to force him out of the club. The player is Madrid bound until 2027.

Alonso's side will face Mallorca in the league on August 31 before the international break kicks in. It appears that Ceballos will still be in the squad come the end of the transfer window next week.