In early July it was reported by Marca that Rafael Benitez held an interest in Kiko Casilla.
Newcastle United were said to be keen to sign the Real Madrid goalkeeper, with the Spanish newspaper making it clear the idea had come straight from Benitez.
Casilla was said to be happy at Madrid with his life as second choice to Keylor Navas and a move was therefore talked down, unless another goalkeeper came in.
In mid August the same Spanish newspaper claimed Newcastle United had made approaches to sign Casilla and Lucas Vázquez, with Real Madrid giving a firm ‘no’ on both.
Since then Benitez hasn’t dealt with the goalkeeping issue at Newcastle and the club continue to be linked with a range of options.
That’s why claims from El Confidencial, historically very good on Real Madrid outgoings, will be interesting for Newcastle.
It’s no secret Madrid are interested in Athletic Club Bilbao’s Kepa to provide competition to Navas, or perhaps even replace the Costa Rican. The difference now is there’s direct claims Casilla is ‘on the market’.
El Confidencial say Casilla hasn’t shown enough when given opportunities and it therefore sellable. Casilla isn’t performing at the same level he showed at Espanyol, and Madrid have ‘accelerated the idea of listening to offers for him’.
This presents the ideal opportunity for Newcastle United to return for the 31 year old Rafael Benitez target.
