OPINION
Amid speculation that Leeds United want two new goalkeepers rather than just one, the club would be pulling off a blinder if their pursuit of Southampton giant Fraser Forster succeeds.
The Yorkshire giants are on the verge of signing Real Madrid shot-stopper Kiko Casilla as he prepares to jet into England to complete the final stages of a free transfer.
But the national press claim Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa does not intend to stop there as he looks to further beef up his goalkeeping department.
The Daily Star claim Leeds want to wrap up the signing of former England international Forster by Saturday in time for him to feature in their Championship clash against Stoke City on Saturday.
It is said that Bielsa has given the green light for his club to land the 30-year-old, who has slipped down the pecking order at St Mary’s Stadium despite his extensive top-level experience.
Were Leeds to land Forster – on what would surely be a temporary deal – as well as Casilla, they would have to loan out Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who has struggled of late despite the club sitting pretty at the top of the Championship.
The 6ft 7in Premier League giant (source: Soccerbase) has the pedigree and presence to make an instant impact at Elland Road, and would not require the kind of bedding-in period that Casilla might.
With automatic promotion the aim, Forster could take over the number one shirt immediately and Casilla can be nurtured to take on the role when the 30-year-old returns to Southampton.
It would be a groundbreaking and exciting move that would get pulses racing among the Leeds support.