Newcastle United were linked with a move for Casilla in June.
According to Sport, Real Madrid have decided to put Kiko Casilla – a rumoured target for Newcastle United earlier this year – on the market in January.
Casilla has stood in for absent number 1 Keylor Navas in recent weeks, although his performances have not been entirely blemish free, and that is what is said to have prompted Madrid’s decision.
But could he feature on Newcastle’s shortlist this winter? HITC takes a look…
What’s the connection?
A former Real Madrid youth player, it was Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez who brought Casilla back to the Bernabeu from Espanyol two and a half years ago, and the Chronicle has since reported that the Magpies have monitored the 31-year-old’s situation.
Do Newcastle need him?
Newcastle’s long-running search for a first-choice goalkeeper failed to come up trumps, prompting Benitez to turn to Rob Elliot and, more recently, Karl Darlow once more. Finances permitting, the Spaniard will likely resume his pursuit in January.
What would have to happen?
Madrid would surely have reservations about losing Casilla without signing a replacement first, however rumours are rife that Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga will arrive at the Bernabeu this winter. Even then, Newcastle would probably need a cash injection to sign Casilla outright, although a loan move could be possible either way.
Could Newcastle land Casilla in January?
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