Betis eye ambitious bid to bring Real Madrid midfielder back as injured Isco faces several months out

The long-running saga of Dani Ceballos' potential return to Real Betis has been reignited, as the club scrambles to find a replacement for Isco.

• Betis are targeting the return of Ceballos
• Ceballos has reportedly requested to leave Real Madrid
• The main hurdle for the transfer is the fee

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ceballos is once again the subject of a potential move to his former club, Real Betis, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo. The speculation has intensified following a long-term injury to Betis star Isco, who recently suffered a non-displaced fracture to his left fibula. Ceballos has reportedly formally requested to leave Real Madrid this summer to rejoin the Seville-based side. However, a significant obstacle remains in the transfer fee, with Real Madrid seeking up to €20 million (£17m/$23m), while Betis are looking to pay a much lower figure.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ceballos' return to Betis has been a recurring rumour since he left for Real Madrid in 2017. Despite a series of injuries and a struggle for consistent playing time at the Bernabeu, Ceballos has a strong desire to return to his boyhood club. Betis' need for a creative midfielder to replace the injured Isco, who is expected to be out for several months, has made the move a more realistic possibility. The midfielder's willingness to take a salary cut could also be a key factor in making the transfer financially viable for Betis, whose president, Angel Haro, has previously stated the club won't pay a "huge transfer fee."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite his desire to return to Betis, The three time Champions League winner has a contract with Real Madrid until 2027. His current salary and the asking price set by Real Madrid have been the main stumbling blocks in previous transfer windows.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL BETIS?

  With the La Liga season fast approaching, Real Betis must act quickly to find a replacement for Isco. The club's interest in Ceballos is clear, but they will need to negotiate a fee that works for both clubs. If the transfer goes through, Ceballos would provide a much-needed boost in midfield, filling the creative void left by Isco and bolstering the squad for their upcoming La Liga campaign as they start their campaign next week against Elche.