It appears that Spanish giants Real Madrid are ready to end their 16-year relationship with their keeper and captain Iker Casillas this summer…
Spanish radio station Onda Cero reckon that Los Blancos are happy to facilitate the 33-year-old’s exit so as to sign Manchester United’s David de Gea as his direct replacement.
De Gea is nine years Casillas’s junior, and his wonderful performances under Louis van Gaal this term earned him a spot in the Premier League Team of the Year, and won him his first caps for Spain, too.
Casillas has seen his reputation as the world’s best goalkeeper dwindle in recent seasons, with Bayern’s Manuel Neuer and Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois rated higher, but he’s been largely solid under Carlo Ancelotti in 2014/15.
However, de Gea’s age, potential and nationality make him the natural choice to replace the legendary stopper between the sticks at the Bernabeu, although the report claims Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno is also being considered.
The Spaniard, with four caps to his name so far, prides himself on stunning reflexes, which have helped him make a number of frankly unbelievable saves this campaign. De Gea’s cut the mistakes out of his game too, which clouded his first season in England.
This, combined with the fact he has superb feet and can play out from the back, indicate that he’ll be able to deal with pressure of replacing Casillas.
United would be loathe to part with de Gea, who they paid £18.9m (via BBC Sport) for back in June 2011 from Atletico Madrid.
If his head was turned though and he does clamour after a move home, the Red Devils could target Tottenham’s equally impressive Frenchman Hugo Lloris, claims the Mirror.