Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is just “hours away” from becoming a Real Madrid player, according to AS.
The newspaper claims an agreement has been reached between the Madrid cantera and Los Blancos in principle, leaving only the small matter of a fee to be negotiated.
Madrid already own half of the 28-year-old’s economic rights, despite Espanyol setting his release clause at €20m, and are hopeful of securing the player for €6m.
Espanyol, meanwhile, need an injection of funds as they must meet a €10m deadline for a payment to the Spanish tax office in the next few weeks.
Casilla rejected offers from the Premier League in order to extend his contract with Espanyol last year, thus fulfilling his promise of ensuring Los Periquitos would cash in on his sale, rather than lose him for nothing.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid will continue with their pursuit of David de Gea, however, as Iker Casillas has still not completed his move to Porto, while Keylor Navas remains on their books.
