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Dani Ceballos has issued mixed messages over his future at Real Madrid after being linked with Tottenham Hotspur, per Onda Cero via Marca.

What’s the word?

El Des Marque reported in May that Spurs are “the main player” in the hunt to secure the signature of the midfielder.

However, he has now said that he has a lengthy contract at the Spanish club, of which manager Zinedine Zidane has reminded him, and that he does not expect to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

He said: “Zidane was very clear with me. I've accepted his explanations.

“I have a contract with a very high release clause.

“I have four years on my contract and I want to succeed at Real Madrid.”

But, in the same interview, Ceballos has outlined his conditions for an exit from the club.

He added: “If I leave I want to play for a team where I feel important.

“I want to show that I can compete at any team in Europe.

“I'm a young player who wants to succeed so I don't want to have another year without playing.”

A thorny issue

This looks like a complicated deal for Spurs to do.

His release clause stands at €500m (£444.1m) and, while Real are unlikely to demand a figure of such a magnitude, his current deal runs until 2023.

The club are almost certain to ensure that they receive the highest possible fee for a player who has yet to reach his peak, then.

He made 34 appearances in all competitions this season and Real are not exactly known for letting their hottest prospects leave for negligible fees.

Spurs do need midfield reinforcements this summer but this deal may well be beyond their reach.

There are other targets out there – Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele immediately spring to mind – and perhaps they should focus on them instead.