Marseille have ended their pursuit for Dani Ceballos after the player showed doubts over leaving Real Madrid for the Ligue 1 side.
Marseille no more interested in CeballosMidfielder unsure about joining Ligue 1Real Betis are planning to move for SpaniardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Marseille and Madrid were close to reaching an agreement for the transfer of Ceballos. However, the midfielder's doubts and view that the move may be a step back in his career prompted the French club to withdraw their offer, according to . The 29-year-old wants to stay at the club and fight for his position in Xabi Alonso's team or find a better offer.
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Ceballos has fallen further down the pecking order at Madrid since Xabi Alonso's arrival, but he has not given up on his dream of securing regular playing time in the Spanish capital. He is also eager to earn his place in Spain's World Cup squad, meaning he must find a solution to his current predicament. It appears a move to Marseille is off the table, though, as the French club's president confirmed an end to the talks.
WHAT MARSEILLE SAID?
President Pablo Longoria was asked about the Ceballos case on Wednesday, telling a journalist: "We were interested, to be honest, but, well… There are certain circumstances that you as a club can't control, right? And above all, as always, Real Madrid is a gentleman's club and has always behaved well."
DID YOU KNOW?
Ceballos has already flirted with a move back to Betis this summer and the club are eager to bring their former youth star back, but the economic terms of the deal make it difficult. However, Madrid would accept a bid in the range of €10 million for Ceballos and this payment can be divided into terms as well, giving a boost to the Andalusian club.