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Incoming Leeds United signing Kiko Casilla is likely to be welcomed as a hero, it’s a bit different

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Leeds are set to sign Kiko Casilla.

Kiko Casilla of Real Madrid in action a training session at Doosan Arena on November 6, 2018 in Plzen, Czech Republic.

Leeds United are close to signing goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid, with the Daily Mail reporting the deal should be done this week.

Casilla is a high profile signing for Leeds and addresses a position of need for the Whites.

The move is a statement signing from Leeds, showing they can attract players from the very best clubs in Europe.

Casilla will be welcomed as a hero, a player with the potential to help ensure the Whites reach the promised land of the Premier League.

It’s a bit different to his previous arrival at Real Madrid in 2015, where he was seen as an underwhelming addition.

Real fans had been dreaming of David de Gea, with Spain’s Ecodiario reporting they moved to sign Casilla after giving up on their number one target.

Kiko Casilla looks on during the prematch warm up before the La Liga match between Sociedad Deportiva Huesca and Real Madrid at Estadio El Alcoraz on December 09, 2018 in Huesca, Spain.

Casilla was originally on Real’s books before he left and made his name with Espanyol.

His signing was criticised by ex-Spain international Sergio Canizares, who told Goal: “Casilla is a good goalkeeper in certain conditions, but obviously he’s not at De Gea’s level. De Gea is who Madrid need to win titles and games.”

There is no ill feeling towards Casilla joining Leeds. The goalkeeper is seen as an ideal option for the Whites, and better than many names who had been linked, like Karl Darlow or an ageing Fraser Forster.

The 32-year-old should find the excitement at his arrival quite refreshing.

Kiko Casilla of Real Madrid warms up prior to the the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 22, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.