Negotiations for Dani Ceballos to leave Real Madrid for Olympique de Marseille collapsed on 27 August after the Spanish midfielder asked for more time to decide his future. Earlier in the day several outlets reported a verbal agreement between the clubs that would have transferred the 29-year-old for a fee in the €10-15 million range. Marseille had been prepared to offer Ceballos a three-year deal, but the player neither signed personal terms nor accepted a reduced salary package. As talks stalled, Marseille informed Real Madrid it would pursue alternative targets and formally withdrew from the deal. Sources close to the discussions say Ceballos is now considering remaining at Real Madrid to fight for playing time or exploring a return to his boyhood club Real Betis. No new timetable for a decision has been set.