Transfer Centre

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui keen on Dani Ceballos?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 December 2022

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui is reportedly keen to sign Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos during the January transfer window.

Wolverhampton Wanderers may reportedly make a January approach for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.

Since Lopetegui was appointed as the long-term replacement for Bruno Lage in November, Wolves have been linked with a wide array of players from big clubs and, in particular, La Liga.

The Premier League's bottom side are already on the brink of signing Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, Lopetegui acknowledging on Friday that a deal had all but been completed.

Cunha will not be able to represent Wolves until the transfer window opens on January 1, yet that will not stop the West Midlands outfit continuing to be linked with more additions.

A previous report has indicated that Lopetegui wants to bring in as many as six new signings, including a player who can play in central midfield.

New Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on November 12, 2022. © Reuters

Despite a claim that Lopetegui would prefer a physically-imposing midfielder, El Nacional claims that Ceballos is on his radar.

The 26-year-old, who has previously represented Arsenal in the Premier League, is more known for his passing and energy, but Lopetegui is said to have requested the signing of the Spain international.

Ceballos has endured another frustrating campaign with Real, remaining as a bit-part player under Carlo Ancelotti even with the departure of Casemiro.

Just two of his 11 appearances this campaign have come from the starting lineup, and he is yet to play longer than 69 minutes in a match.

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos pictured in May 2022 © Reuters

Although Ceballos was presented with a late substitute outing in last season's Champions League final, it appears highly likely that he will depart the Bernabeu at some point in 2023.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign and a renewal will not be considered due to his sustained lack of game time for Los Blancos.

However, the report adds that Ceballos is currently not tempted to depart in January, instead wanting to try to take any opportunity which arises with Real.

Wolves will be in a position where they can formally speak to Ceballos at the turn of the year, ahead of any interested Spanish clubs who will have to gain permission from Real.