Real Madrid capture Real Betis midfielder Ceballos

Real Madrid on Friday announced that Real Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos has signed a six-year contract with the record European football champions.

The 20-year-old Ceballos grabbed interest from several leading European clubs after he won the Player of the Tournament award as Spain reached the European Under-21 Championship final in June.

Real Madrid will reportedly pay 17 million euros ($19.40 million) -- more than his 15 million euros ($17.12 million) release clause -- to beat competition.

Ceballos will join the team on their pre-season tour of the United States, according to a Real Madrid statement.

--IANS

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