Premier League strugglers Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are both looking to La Liga for a new goalkeeper this month.
There looked to be a very good chance that Kiko Casilla could end the month as Newcastle United’s first choice goalkeeper.
It is understood that Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is keen to reunite with a shot-stopper who he signed for Real Madrid during his brief spell in charge at the Bernabau during the 2015/16 season. And according to The Mail, the Champions League holders had offered Newcastle the chance to sign their seldom-seen net-guarder.
But as stated by AS, the chances of Casilla becoming the new number one Newcastle have been after for some time may have taken a hit – thanks to Crystal Palace.
The report states that fellow relegation battlers Palace are closing in on the signing of Getafe’s Vicente Guaita. The former Valencia goalkeeper, one of the best in La Liga on his day, is out of contract in June so a cut-price £3.5 million deal is on the cards.
But Newcastle will be interested in the news that Getafe have identified Casilla as the ideal replacement for Guaita. The Madrid-based side, who have enjoyed an impressive return to Spain’s top flight this season and sit eighth at the winter break, want to sign the one-time international on loan until the summer.
Newcastle, then, could soon be cursing Palace’s £3.5 million deal.
It is no secret that Benitez wants a goalkeeper, with Rob Elliott and Karl Darlow sharing the number one jersey this season. But Casilla could soon be out of Newcastle’s reach while Palace add a quality new glovesman to their squad.
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