Aston Villa are still interested in Real Madrid midfielder Isco and are planning a January raid, according to reports.

As Real Madrid prepare to take on Real Sociedad in their first game after the international break, they have been handed a big boost.

Dani Ceballos has returned to training with the group and is expected to be available for the game against the Basque opposition. Considering the number of injuries the Merengues have endured so far this season, news of a return is certainly sweet.

The Spanish midfielder renewed his contract with Los Blancos earlier this summer and is contracted in Spain until June 2027.

Reports state that Carlo Ancelotti assured him regular minutes to ensure a renewal, but it is now unclear where Ceballos will fit into the starting lineup.

Aston Villa interested in Ceballos

Ceballos’ renewal at Real Madrid was not easy for the Spanish giants by any means. After all, it was always clear that Ancelotti viewed the 27-year-old as a backup option.

Aston Villa were one of the clubs who seriously considered signing Ceballos from Real Madrid in the recently concluded transfer window.

While it did not go through, El Desmarque reports that the Premier League side still maintain an interest in him.

The report states that Unai Emery continues to have a serious eye on Ceballos and has him as one of the priority signings for the month of January. He will continue talking to the player until then in the hope of convincing him to change scenery.

Real Madrid have received a significant boost as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in their first game following the international break.

Dani Ceballos has returned to training with the team and is expected to play against the Basque opposition. Given the number of injuries the Merengues have had this season, news of a return is surely welcome.

The Spaniard’s contract with Los Blancos was renewed earlier this summer, and he is under contract in Spain until June 2027.

According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti promised him consistent minutes in order to secure his contract renewal, but it is now uncertain where Ceballos would slot into the starting lineup.

Ceballos is being pursued by Aston Villa.
The renewal of Ceballos at Real Madrid was far from easy for the Spanish giants. After all, it was never in doubt that Ancelotti saw the 27-year-old as a backup option.

Aston Villa was one among the clubs interested in signing Ceballos from Real Madrid during the recent transfer window.

While the deal did not go through, El Desmarque reports that the Premier League club is still interested in him.

According to the report, Unai Emery is still interested in Ceballos and has him on his list of priority signings for the month of January. He’ll keep talking to the player until then, hoping to persuade him to switch places.

Emery wants Ceballos at Aston Villa

Minutes are running out.
Ceballos was Ancelotti’s first-choice replacement for Luka Modric last season while the Croatian international was sidelined. This time, the scenario is quite different.

In the middle of the park, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni have established themselves as frequent starts. Despite the fact that the diamond configuration allows for four midfielders, there is only one place available in theory.

Given the competition for the slot from Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and upcoming talent like Nico Paz, Ceballos may struggle to play frequently in Madrid.

However, with Kroos and Modric expected to leave in the summer, Ceballos may acquire importance, and in the meanwhile, a loan stay for the second half of the season is possible.