Las Palmas coach Pepe Mel admits he urged Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos to join Barcelona.

Mel was Real Betis coach when Ceballos left for Real Madrid.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "He convinced (Zinedine) Zidane with a great game at the Bernabéu, Barça also wanted him. I advised him to go to the culé club, which was renewing itself with (Andres) Iniesta and Xavi at the end of its cycle, he would have had more space. Madrid with Modric, Kroos, Casemiro offered him fewer opportunities, but he has the level to also play with the Los Merengues."

Mel also commented on Ceballos' loan with Arsenal.

He added: “The Premier has very high rhythms for him. Dani would work better in Calcio, where quality is ahead. And he has plenty: he would be perfect for Milan."