Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Kiko Casilla, who has recently been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Leeds appear to be on the verge of addressing their goalkeeper situation, with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting on Friday that the Whites are closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid’s Kiko Casilla.
A deal for Casilla looks set to be masterstroke from the Championship leaders. Bailey Peacock-Farrell has done well as number one, but there have been questions asked about his form, so Casilla’s arrival at Elland Road would see the Whites make a huge statement.
And perhaps it is the kind of deal that will leave Rafa Benitez kicking himself.
Calciomercato reported in December that Newcastle were keen on Casilla, who Benitez signed for Los Blancos during his brief stint as manager at the Bernabeu.
The Magpies seemingly had a superb chance to take Leeds out of the running for Casilla, with the Yorkshire Evening Post also reporting that Marcelo Bielsa had previously made Karl Darlow a top target.
The YEP’s report suggested that Newcastle were not willing to let Darlow go for less than £4 million, and that appears to have put Leeds off a move for the 28-year-old.
Darlow has been a decent servant at St James’ Park, but it would be no surprise if many of the Newcastle fans, and perhaps Benitez himself, would have preferred to let Darlow go and sign Casilla this month.
But having seemingly dug their heels in over Darlow’s asking price, it appears that Leeds may be about to complete the deal that Benitez would have perhaps loved to get across the line.
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