|
Real Madrid are hopeful of signing goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Espanyol, according to reports in Spain. AS reported on Tuesday that Real are lining up their former youth-team player Casilla as a backup option to Keylor Navas should Iker Casillas depart and a deal for Manchester United keeper David De Gea fall through. Marca reported on Wednesday that new Real coach Rafa Benitez is eyeing the 28-year-old to reinforce his options in goal. Real are expected to acquire United star De Gea this summer, but so far no agreement has been reached between the clubs with negotiations stalled. De Gea, who is under contract at United for another season, is in Manchester taking part in preseason training. But according to El Confidencial, De Gea has agreed a six-year contract with Real with the Spanish club set to pay United a €40 million transfer fee. Long-time Real No. 1 Casillas has two years left on his contract with Real, but has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months. His agent said on Tuesday the keeper is "enthusiastic" about a potential move to Porto, and with second-choice Navas out injured, Real are short of keepers for their summer tour. Casilla -- a reported target of Real last year -- left Madrid in the summer of 2007 to join Espanyol's reserve side and had a strong 2014-15 campaign, making 37 league starts and keeping 13 clean sheets in the Primera Division. The keeper is under contract with the Barcelona-based club until June 2018, and would return to Real on a reported €3m transfer deal. Real expect to sell Casillas to Porto by the end of this week, with the Bernabeu and Spain captain -- who has played 725 official games and lifted 15 titles with Los Blancos -- set to join the Portuguese giants on a two-year deal. Meanwhile, Marca reports that Real want to give Casillas, 34, a proper send off at the Bernabeu with club president Florentino Perez and the first team also taking part in the farewell event. Current Real teammate Dani Carvajal said of Casillas' potential departure: "I have an exceptional relationship with Casillas and if this is his decision, then I feel it's in his best interest." Real travel to Australia to begin their summer tour on Sunday.
|
