Exclusive: Leeds trying to find a buyer for big-earning star as firesale intensifies

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

11 Jul 2019, 10:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Leeds United are trying to find a buyer for goalkeeper Kiko Casilla before the window shuts next month, Football Insider can reveal.

The 32-year-old's future at the Championship giants is in doubt after their promotion failure and Football Insider revealed last month that his exit is potentially on the cards.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider the club are not only ready to listen to offers for Casilla but they are actively seeking a club willing to take him off their hands.

Casilla signed a four-and-a-half year deal when he arrived from Real Madrid in January that instantly catapulted him into the top bracket of earners at Leeds with a package worth more than £30,000-a-week.

The club's failure to achieve promotion and the squeeze on their finances means the one-time Spain international is regarded as an expendable asset.

The likelihood is that Casilla would return to his homeland, although only Spanish top-flight clubs would be able to match the salary he is on at Elland Road.

Casilla was installed as the United number one when he arrived from Real and made a solid start, before his meltdown in the play-off semi-final second leg against Derby County contributed significantly to defeat.

The possibility of Casilla leaving Elland Road comes at a time when there are also doubts over the future of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who has threatened to quit if he is not first choice next season.

Leeds have sold a number of first team and fringe players over the last two weeks, with the most notable sales those of Pontus Jansson to Brentford for £5.5million and Jack Clarke to Tottenham for an initial £9million.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that the club are plotting a swoop to sign Brentford 27-year-old after £2million bid submitted.

Leeds United