- Manchester United and Chelsea may be happy to learn about Real Madrid’s transfer plans
- The Spanish giants look like they expect to sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa in January
- This surely means an end to their pursuits of David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois
- READ MORE: Arsenal tipped to seal surprise transfer of 93-cap Manchester United star
Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence about signing Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa as soon as the January transfer window opens, according to Marca.
The report claims the Spanish giants expect to meet the 23-year-old’s £22million release clause, which should allow them to quickly wrap up a deal for the highly-rated shot-stopper to come in and likely replace Keylor Navas as number one.
Kepa has long been linked with Real Madrid, though Premier League clubs may also be interested in this development as it could mean their ‘keepers are staying put.
Don Balon recently claimed Manchester United star David de Gea had held talks with Real Madrid, though his big pay demands may have put them off.
The Sun, meanwhile, also linked Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a move to Madrid on a free transfer as he stalls on signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian played in La Liga for three years in a loan with Atletico Madrid, and still has family based in Spain.
For now, however, Kepa will surely have the chance to challenge for Navas’ place in Zinedine Zidane’s side, and he’s shown he has the talent to make it at a bigger club.