Medical booked: Casilla finalises Leeds United move as Bielsa confident of signing replacement

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:

10 Jul 2021, 2:30 am

Kiko Casilla will undergo a medical at Spanish club Elche as he finalises a season-long loan from Leeds United, Football Insider understands.

The goalkeeper, 34, has been granted permission by United to skip training and complete a return to his homeland.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that Casilla is expected to complete a move to La Liga outfit Elche in the coming days.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa will then turn his attention to signing a replacement for the Spaniard.

The source explained that United are "confident" of sealing a deal for a new goalkeeper ahead of the next Premier League season.

Leeds already have feelers out for goalkeeper targets who fit the profile demanded by Bielsa.

This site revealed last month how the Yorkshire giants made a late move for Angus Gunn before he completed a £5million transfer to Norwich City from Southampton.

United will not have a huge budget for a replacement for Casilla as they look to sign a keeper younger than 25 who can be developed by Bielsa.

Moreover, the Premier League club will continue to pay a significant portion of the former Real Madrid man's wages.

His £40,000-a-week contract, signed when he joined from Real Madrid in January 2019, has made it difficult to secure a permanent move to a club willing to match his salary.

This site revealed on 1st April that United were keen to get big-earning Casilla off their books this summer and recruit a new keeper.

A loan will give Casilla the chance to reignite his career and get away from England, where he served an eight-match racism ban last year.

In other news, four Leeds United fan favourites are set to join new clubs.

Leeds United