Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is interested in joining West Ham, according to Gol Digital.
The Spanish website claims that the former Arsenal loanee is keen on moving back to London and he would like to link up with his former manager Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers boss worked with Ceballos during his brief stint at Real at the start of the 2018/19 season and there is believed to be mutual respect between the pair.
Gol Digital report that Lopetegui is hoping to make Ceballos his “first signing” after moving to the London Stadium.
Ceballos has struggled for game time in recent seasons
The 27-year-old spent two entires years on loan at Arsenal before moving back to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2021.
Since then, Ceballos has been a bit-part player at Real, having made just eight starts in all competitions under Carlo Ancelotti last campaign.
Despite still having three years left on his contract with the La Liga champions, the midfielder is hoping for a fresh start at another club.
Will West Ham make a move for the Real Madrid star?
It should be pointed out that technical director Tim Steidten is in charge of player recruitment, not Lopetegui. The Spaniard may have recommended Ceballos as a target but that doesn’t necessarily mean a bid is in the works.
Steidten is currently focused on strengthening other areas of the pitch. A new striker is right at the top of his agenda, while it seems clear that the Irons’ first signing of the Lopetegui era won’t be Ceballos but a centre-back.
West Ham are believed to have agreed a deal to sign Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo, and the Brazilian is reportedly expected to complete his £12.7m switch to the London club at some point next week.
