Real Madrid swoop to sign Betis star Ceballos

Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona to the signing of Real Betis star Dani Ceballos, with the Spanish champions announcing his arrival on Friday.

The Spanish midfielder, 20, was a target for both sides but Madrid won the battle and he will be presented at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday, before linking up with the squad for their tour of the United States.

"Real Madrid and Real Betis Balompie have agreed the transfer of Dani Ceballos, who has signed a six-year contract with the club," said Madrid in a statement, after paying a reported 18 million euros (20.5 million dollars) for his services.

Ceballos, who played 108 times for Betis after debuting in 2014, shone at the recent under-21 European championships in Poland and was named player of the tournament as Spain finished second.

Madrid have focused on hiring young, promising players in recent years and Ceballos' arrival continues that trend, their third signing this summer after Vinicius Junior and Theo Hernandez.