Report: Euro giants international set for exit - Newcastle to pounce after January pursuit
Newcastle United are ready to pounce on a transfer swoop for Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla in the summer with the Spanish heavyweights set to offload him as a result of their own hunt, according to a report.
The Chronicle claim on their website that the 31-year-old shot stopper, who has one cap for Spain under his belt, is to be replaced at the Bernabeu with the reigning Champions League holders searching for a new man to battle with Keylor Navas between the sticks.
It is said that Newcastle were engaged in a loan pursuit of Casilla during the January transfer window, but ended up with Sparta Prague’s Martin Dubravka instead.
However the report states they could revisit their interest for the goalkeeper, who has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, and that manager Rafael Benitez will be monitoring the situation closely at his former club.
Football Insider verdict
It appears as though the summer could be all change when it comes to the goalkeepers at St James’ Park, with Dubravka looking likely to secure a permanent move after his bright start at the club. Benitez seems to trust neither Karl Darlow or Rob Elliot between the sticks, while Freddie Woodman is considered to young and inexperienced to be challenging for a first team place. Forgotten man Matz Sels is unlikely to have a future at Newcastle, meaning that there could be up to three permanent departures come the end of the next transfer window. Will Casilla be the man to replace one of them? If available for the right price, then it is a possibility, but there will be questions asked over whether he or Dubravka would be willing to sit on the bench at Newcastle.
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