Ceballos destined to succeed either Modric or Iniesta

Ceballos destined to succeed either Modric or Iniesta

Certainly the biggest decision of his career to date, Dani Ceballos is being lined up as the long-term successor to each of Real Madrid and Barcelona's star playmakers.

With the Real Betis midfielder catching the eye of LaLiga's biggest sides, the statistics show just how capable he is of stepping up for the veterans who currently occupy the centre of the Blancos and Blaugrana park.

Ceballos managed 2,336 minutes in 2016/17, scoring twice and assisting two more with only Iniesta's three assists beating that tally.

Furthermore, it's clear that the young Spaniard uses his agility in greater measures than his 30-something counterparts, winning 118 fouls and making 120 dribbles compared to Modric's 30 and 54, respectively, while Iniesta's figures are similar to the Madrid star.

Moving further down the pitch, Ceballos' ability to replace the duo in defensive terms is another reason why Real and Barcelona are interested, his 255 interceptions reminiscent of a more youthful Modric and Iniesta, who managed 137 and 98 respectively albeit in less minutes.

Although he has plenty more ground to make up to be considered as good as these two LaLiga mainstays, the 20-year-old has the potential and the legs to make a big impact at whichever side he picks for a move in the coming weeks.

Barcelona announce Messi contract extension

Barcelona announce Messi contract extension

After months of speculation, Barcelona are finally able to confirm Lionel Messi's continuation at the Camp Nou.

Set to sign a new contract to 2021 when he returns to pre-season training in a couple of weeks, the Argentine forward is currently on holiday after his wedding to Antonella Roccuzzo.

"The Club is very happy with both the renewal and the commitment of Messi, the best player in history, who has played his full professional career at Barça and has led the team to an era of extraordinary success, the likes of which has never been seen in world football," read an official Barcelona statement.

MARCA reported overnight that Messi's extension will contain a 300 million euro release clause with an option for an extra year in Catalonia.

The challenges facing Messi before 2021

The challenges facing Messi before 2021

Following the confirmation of his new deal, Barcelona fans are likely to ask what more can Lionel Messi do at the Camp Nou?

The Argentine international has won everything at the club, but at 30 years of age there is still the belief that there are many years left in him.

With this in mind it is possible to allow the mind to wander on what more the wizard of Rosario can achieve in the final years of his playing career.

Win the most Champions League titles in history

Since the rebranding of the European Cup into the current Champions League in 1992, the most any players has won it is four times. Currently Messi is tied on four with the veteran trio of Clarence Seedorf, Xavi and Samuel Eto'o, but also with Cristiano Ronaldo as well as teammates Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique.

Become Champions League record scorer

Another battle he will face against Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming years is in the scoring charts, and at the moment the Portuguese international leads 106 to 94.

Reach the Nou Camp Nou

This could be difficult for Messi as the remodelling work on the Camp Nou was originally scheduled to be completed in 2021, however that has now been delayed. If there is an option to extend his contract for another year, and Barcelona are able to speed up the building work, then there is a chance.

Settle the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has edged Messi in recent years in their personal battle to claim individual awards. The Portuguese forward is expected to claim his fifth Ballon d'Or this year, equalling his Clasico rival's record of awards.

Messi claimed his fourth European Golden Boot this season, matching his rival's record in goal scoring. Both players are approaching the end of their careers, and they both know that these titles will weigh heavily in deciding who was the best of all time for generations to come.

Win another sextuple

No team has yet matched the achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona that secured the six trophies in a year. The closest so far are Inter under Jose Mourinho/Rafa Benitez, Bayern Munich under Jupp Heynckes/Guardiola and Barcelona under Luis Enrique, who each won four in a year.

Real Madrid brush aside the Cristiano Ronaldo situation

Real Madrid brush aside the Cristiano Ronaldo situation

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a shockwave through the transfer market and through the footballing world three weeks ago when a desire to leave Real Madridwas leaked, but the capital city club have hardly batted an eyelid and have remained calm throughout.

In the view of the club's directors, the situation has now improved and they are pressing on with their other transfer market business as if nothing had happened.

Those in the Real Madrid hierarchy believe that the situation was the result of mismanagement from third parties and they consider Ronaldo to be committed to the cause.

Just as the club directors haven't been put off their other work as a result of the speculation over the 32-year-old's future, the rest of the Real Madrid squad have remained similarly confident of his continuation and haven't let the rumours disturb their holiday time.

While it is true that Zinedine Zidane did call the player to suss out what was really going through his mind, the other leaders of the dressing room did not get in touch with the Portuguese forward.

Players like Sergio Ramos believed it was a personal decision and did not think then was the time to put extra pressure on the No.7.

Instead, the captain has preferred to let the time pass and to wait until he sees Ronaldo in person again to discuss the situation.

Messi seals his Barcelona renewal, extending to 2021 with a €300m release clause

Messi seals his Barcelona renewal, extending to 2021 with a €300m release clause

Barcelona and Lionel Messi have finally come to an agreement and the player will renew his contract with the Catalan club until 2021, with a further one-year option.

As for the Argentine's release clause, under the new deal it will be set at 300 million euros.

For the Blaugrana, this is a relief as they can now fully focus on their other summer business now that the star of the team has committed his future to the Camp Nou institution.

The 30-year-old, who is currently enjoying his honeymoon after last Friday's wedding, will put pen to paper on this new deal next week when he returns to Catalonia to join his teammates for the start of pre-season training.

Guardiola: While Messi is around, Barcelona will be almost unbeatable

Guardiola: While Messi is around, Barcelona will be almost unbeatable

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has eulogised over just how good Leo Messi is, while also stating that Barcelona are in good hands with Ernesto Valverde.

Following a season in which the Catalan giants won just the Copa del Rey, following a 3-1 win over Alaves, the team came in for much criticism but Guardiola believes that this is overstated.

"I see Barcelona a lot better than how they see it over there," the 46-year-old told the Catalan newspaper L'Esportiu.

"The work of Luis Enrique has been excellent. With him, when they were good, they were almost unbeatable. They have played very good football. While Messi is around, this will be the case. And I am not saying that the players that have been signed are bad."

The former Barcelona coach is clear in his belief that Messi is the best player he's witnessed, too.

"He is the best player I have ever seen," he continued. "The best thing about him is not what he does, but how simple he makes everything look. He is not just the best player because he can dribble past three or four players, it is because he does it better than anyone else in the world."

Ernesto Valverde, a former teammate of Guardiola, is the Barcelona's new head coach and the City boss believes that he will triumph at the Blaugrana.

"I think Barcelona needed a coach like Ernesto," said Guardiola. "A squad like this one, which has won everything, needs a guy who wants them.

"You need someone that understands the club, and Ernesto is that person. Also, he is a coach with a lot of knowledge. It will go well, as I knew that it would with Luis Enrique."

City have also managed to steal one of La Masia's best young players in Eric Garcia, but Guardiola is yet to see the 16-year-old in action.

"To tell the truth, I have not seen him play," he said. "They have told me that he is very good.

"We were aware that the boy did not want to continue [at Barcelona], and City did the rest. Barcelona has always had a great squad.

"Although I don't know exactly, I'm sure that there are very good players in the academy of Barcelona."

Ceballos and his representatives meet with Real Betis

Ceballos and his representatives meet with Real Betis

It remains to be seen where Dani Ceballos will be playing his football next season, but it may have become a little clearer on Tuesday afternoon when the player and his agents met with his current club Real Betis.

With Barcelona, Real Madrid and other clubs across the continent targeting the 20-year-old, he held talks with the Verdiblancos at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

His representatives from Bahia Internacional accompanied him, with Margarita Garay leading the way.

Real Madrid may be the front runners due to the fact they're willing to pay 20 million euros - which is 5m euros more than the figure stated in his release clause - but the player is also being followed by the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, while Real Betis would also like to keep him in their squad.

The Andalusian club had already made a renewal offer to the midfielder before his dazzling performances at the Under-21s European Championship, one which would have made him the highest earner in Quique Setien's squad.

Now they could be offering him an even more attractive proposal as they aim to extend his deal and raise his release clause at the same time.

As MARCA have already reported, Real Betis were waiting to speak to Ceballos and to hear his intentions before opening discussions with any other club.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his growing family

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his growing family

With the birth of twins, Cristiano Ronaldo became a father again during the Confederations Cup and he rushed off to meet his newborns Mateo and Eva in the aftermath of Portugal's semi-final loss to Chile.

Since then, the 32-year-old has been enjoying his holiday and spending some quality time with his growing family.

The player uploaded a family photo of himself, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and the two new arrivals on Instagram, along with the caption "blessed".