Newcastle are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to Fichajes.net.

The Spanish rumour mongers claim that the 27-year-old is being considered as a possible replacement for Sandro Tonali.

It is believed that the Italian international could be suspended for an extended period due to betting infringements, which would leave the Magpies short of options in the middle of the park.

Fichajes report that Eddie Howe’s side could be prepared to pay around €20m (£17m) to sign Ceballos when the January transfer window opens.

Ceballos has played in England before

The midfielder spent two years with Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, having gone on two separate season-long loan spells to the Emirates.

Ceballos played 77 times for the Gunners, making 48 starts. He didn’t do enough to convince the Premier League side to sign him on a permanent basis, having scored just twice and contributed only 5 assists.

His time in Madrid appears to be coming to an end

Ceballos actually signed a new four-year contract with Real in the summer, having played 46 games in all competitions for the Spanish giants last season.

However, he started this campaign injured and, after missing the first four matches with a hamstring problem, he has struggled to get game time following his return to fitness.

Ceballos has made just 4 substitute appearances in total and, while he is likely to get more minutes between now and the end of the year, the feeling is that he could be offloaded if a good enough offer is made.

A switch to Newcastle is a genuine possibility, but the Magpies do need to keep their FFP situation in mind. Lewis Hall was signed on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in order to get around the restrictions, and a similar proposal could be made for Ceballos.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here