Real Madrid Transfer News: Kiko Casilla Talks Denied, Chelsea Bid for Isco

Espanyol president Joan Collet has denied rumors that he has held talks with Real Madrid over the sale of goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

According to Marca, Real bid €4 million for the Spaniard but were turned down, and they have yet to speak to the Blanquiazules' chief. Collet added: "I won't sit down to discuss a €4 million bid either. We've received no other offers and the bid on the table in no way meets our valuation of the player."

As David De Gea's transfer saga rumbles on with no sign of ending any time soon, Los Blancos could be tempted to focus on a more easily acquired target.

Though Casilla is not often mentioned in a discussion of the world's top goalkeeping talents, WhoScored.com illustrates there could be some merit in Real's interest:

Further, Alberto Pinero of Goal.com reports, "Madrid still own 50 percent of the 28-year-old former academy graduate's rights and the clause means that Rafael Benitez’s men will be forced to pay, at most, just half of his €20 million release fee."

In that case, €10 million would be a relatively low price for a new recruit and potential No. 1.

However, the fact remains De Gea is a much better goalkeeper and would surely be the preferred choice of both Benitez and the Madridistas.

Also, Los Blancos aren't exactly known for giving up on a marquee signing in favor of a bargain option.

While Casilla is a competent 'keeper, he's not the player to take Madrid forward in their never-ending race with Barcelona.

If De Gea remains at Manchester United, expect Casilla to fill the gap for Real until they can sign the United man on a free transfer next year, at which time he will find his opportunities severely limited.

Chelsea Interested in Isco

According to Adam Skinner of the Express, "Spanish publication Fichaje claim a deal could be done for around £35 million and Jose Mourinho is reported to have instructed the Chelsea board to get it done."

The midfielder has continued to impress at the Bernabeu with his creativity and impressive running with and without the ball, making nine assists last season, in addition to scoring six goals.

As WhoScored.com shows, the 23-year-old is an excellent passer and dribbler, as well as a committed worker.

Indeed, Isco has caught the eye of football writer Sergi Dominguez:

For the reported fee, Real would make a healthy £14 million profit on the Spaniard.

Chelsea would certainly benefit from the deal. Having missed out on Arda Turan, Isco would represent an equally excellent alternative to Oscar or Willian and could slot in behind Diego Costa.

For Real, the money could be used to replace Isco with another Galactico signing.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea can get the deal over the line, but whether he plays his trade at the Bernabeu or Stamford Bridge next season, Isco looks set to continue his outstanding development ahead of a key role in Spain's 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign.