11:03h CEST

Real Madrid are continuing with their plan of snapping up young talents ahead of their direct rivals, and have set their sights on their next target: Dani Ceballos.

The 20-year-old Real Betis midfielder has enjoyed a breakout season in 2016/17 and, with his buy-out clause set at a highly affordable 15 million euros, he is drawing interest from across Europe.

Real want to buy Ceballos and loan him back to Betis

Los Blancos' aim is to repeat the formula that has worked well with players such as Marco Asensio, by signing Ceballos this summer and then loaning him back to Betis for the coming campaign.

Real representatives have held meetings with both Los Verdiblancos and the footballer's camp in recent weeks, with a view to reaching an agreement over his transfer rather than simply activating his release clause.

Full screen Ceballos celebrates scoring in Betis' LaLiga draw with Atlético this month. MIGUEL MORENATTI (DIARIO AS)

The Bernabéu club's intention is to pay an initial 10-million-euro fee, before meeting the rest of his buy-out figure through a range of add-ons.

Betis are in a financial situation in which they need to sell, so it is a deal that the club's board are thought to be open to, as it involves raising funds and, at the same time, being able to hold on to their star individual for a further season.

Atlético also chasing Real Betis star

He is also a major target for city rivals Atlético Madrid, who have stepped up their interest in the Spain Under-21 international in recent weeks, while he additionally has offers from sides in the Premier League and Serie A.

Ceballos, for his part, is understood to be keen to focus on June's European Under-21 Championship in Poland, before turning his attentions to his future after the tournament.