- Liverpool reportedly targeting Dani Ceballos as Philippe Coutinho replacement
- Spaniard out-of-favour at Real Madrid after apparent fall-out with Zinedine Zidane
- Ceballos signed from Real Betis last summer
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Liverpool have reportedly identified Dani Ceballos as their ideal replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
The Spaniard has supposedly grown frustrated with manager Zinedine Zidane for his lack opportunities since signing for Real Madrid from Real Betis in summer 2017.
Ceballos is now believed to be seeking a move elsewhere and Liverpool will spare no expenses to sign the 21-year-old, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.
As always, any rumour emerging from Spain is worth approaching with caution given the unreliable stories that were spouted during Coutinho’s long-running transfer saga.
Ceballos’ bright reputation comes courtesy of the lasting impression he made in Spain’s winning U21 European Championship campaign – in which he was awarded as Player of the Tournament.
With Liverpool having ended their interest in Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, it would come as no surprise if Ceballos were to have shifted up Klopp’s transfer wishlist.
Early evidence suggests Ceballos fits the bill as the playmaker the club is inevitably in search of to compensate for the loss of Coutinho’s invention behind Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
He boasts the dazzling footwork to breach tight avenues and both the vision and execution to dissect defences from midfield.
Ceballos is also no doubt one of many ‘possible Coutinho replacements’ likely to crop up over the next few months.