Real Madrid Star Lined Up for Premier League Move After Shock Albacete Defeat

A Real Madrid star has been linked with a stunning move to the Premier League just days after their shock defeat to Albacete.

Real parted ways with Xabi Alonso, who lasted just seven months in his role following his appointment last summer.

Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced Alonso and took charge of the club's crushing Copa del Rey elimination on Wednesday.

Real exited the competition after losing 3-2 to second-tier side Albacete, who scored a last-minute winner to advance to the next round.

While Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham didn't play, Arbeloa did field the likes of Vinicius Jr., Arda Guler and Federico Valverde.

Dani Ceballos was an unused substitute against Albacete as his future appears to lie away from the Bernabeu amid a lack of playing time.

Dani Ceballos has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Image: Getty

The 29-year-old has played 11 league games this season, with most of his appearances coming off the bench.

After missing out on Conor Gallagher, who joined Tottenham from Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa have set their sights on Ceballos this month.

That's according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim Unai Emery is hoping to capitalise on his relationship with the star midfielder following their spell together at Arsenal.

Emery is leading this specific request to add technical quality and vision to his squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Dani Ceballos played under Unai Emery at Arsenal during his loan spell from Real Madrid. Image: Getty

Villa have acted swiftly after failing to recruit Gallagher, who opted to sign for Spurs.

Per the report, even though Ceballos' profile differs from Gallagher's, Emery is convinced that the Spaniard's ability to manage the tempo of a game is exactly what his team needs.

Fichajes, however, claim the deal will not be easy due to Real's firm stance they usually take with players that they consider useful for rotation options.

As mentioned, Ceballos has already plied his trade in England's top flight following his loan spell at Arsenal.

He enjoyed a two-year loan at the Emirates, playing under Emery then Mikel Arteta.

Villa, meanwhile, currently have the likes of Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana at their disposal in midfield, but Emery is clearly looking to reinforce his options as they mount a title charge.