Real Madrid Transfer News: Iker Casillas Set to Leave, David De Gea Deal Looms

For the past several transfer periods, Iker Casillas has been rumoured to be leaving Real Madrid. It appears this summer will finally be the end of the road for the legendary 'keeper at Los Blancos, however, with Manchester United's David De Gea taking his place.

The English Twitter feed of Spanish newspaper AS passed along the report:

Zarif Rasul of AS offered one possible destination for the Spanish 'keeper:

Casillas appeared in 32 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season, earning a 6.78 average match rating from WhoScored.com. Contrast that to De Gea, who made 37 starts for Manchester United and earned a 6.68 average match rating from WhoScored.

Of course, the distinguishing factor between the two players is that Casillas is 34 and De Gea is 24. Casillas is in the twilight of his career, De Gea in his prime and widely considered one of the best young 'keepers in the world.

Indeed, he was huge for United this past season and established himself as an elite player at the position. 

Yes, suggestions of Casillas' imminent decline were premature before this season, even after a dreadful performance over the summer at the World Cup.

But if De Gea is indeed interested in continuing his career at Real Madrid, now is the right time for Los Blancos to cut ties with Casillas.