Kiko Casilla will arrive at Leeds United within “the next few days” to complete a transfer from Real Madrid, according to AS.
The Spanish publication claim United have reached an agreement with the European champions to sign Casilla and hand him his debut in their Championship clash against Stoke City on 19 January.
AS report Casilla, 32, has decided to quit Real three and a half years into his second spell at the club as he “has decided to try to get more playing time elsewhere”.
OPINION
This is a deal that has come out of the blue, although Football Insider reported on Friday morning that Leeds had turned their attention to landing a keeper from Spain after their pursuit of Karl Darlow had collapsed. The advantage of the Newcastle goalkeeper is that he is proven in the Championship and was part of a promotion-winning campaign two seasons ago. Casilla has greater experience and, as a former Spain international, genuine pedigree, too. The former Espanyol number one is taking a risk by moving overseas, but there are plenty of Spanish speakers at Elland Road, most notably Marcelo Bielsa and his coaching staff, as well as star player Pablo Hernandez. That should help him settle and his experience can only pay dividends. The expectation among the Elland Road faithful is that he will slot straight into the first team, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell likely to be given a much-needed breather.