Real Betis chief Joaquin: Real Madrid's decision on Ceballos is still pending

Joaquin has expressed his desire to re-sign the Betico before the transfer deadline on Friday.

He told Radio Marca: "I'm waiting for them to give me permission to negotiate with Florentino (Perez, Real president). Ceballos is a great footballer. He has left here, he knows Betis, he feels identified and we all love him, but it's not easy.

"We'll see if he can come to Betis, "But it's not easy, he has a contract, he can count on (Carlo) Ancelotti... and it will depend on the circumstances.

"Florentino is kind of a joker, when he is interested he lets something out. Over the years you realize that he is also a joker. (Emilio) Butragueño is not a joker, he is more correct than what I know... Florentino in short distances can be treated like one-to-one and talk about anything."