Espanyol have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid over the transfer of goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
This is very likely going to put an end to the Los Merengues’ interest in Manchester United’s David de Gea, with the Premier a League side holding out for a fee in the excess of the record £33m (€40.29) Juventus paid Parma in 2001 for Gianluigi Buffon.
Real have however agreed a relatively reasonable fee of £4m (€6m) for the Spanish international goalkeeper.
Rafael Benitez’s side have been heavily linked with a move for Casilla and were reported to be in advanced negotiations with Espanyol on Thursday.
Espanyol have now confirmed a deal has been reached, with the 28-year-old expected to travel to the Spanish capital in the coming days for a medical.
Casilla enjoyed a two-year stint with Real’s reserve side before joining Espanyol on a free transfer in August 2007.
“I never thought I would go back,” Casilla said. “I am fortunate to go back. I’m very happy to have signed for Real Madrid.
“This is a new opportunity in my career and this train only comes once. I want to enjoy it. I need to take advantage and do the best I can.”
Casilla made 115 league appearances for Espanyol between 2008 and 2015, and also had loan spells with Cadiz and Cartegena.
He joins Keylor Navas and Fernando Perchecho as Real’s goalkeeping choices.
