Real Madrid Transfer News: Kiko Casilla Fee Reportedly Agreed, Latest Rumours

Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid, despite the Catalans' insistence no one has talked to them about a possible transfer. According to AS' Ivan Molero, Los Blancos and Casilla have already come to an agreement, while AS English added the two clubs have agreed to a fee of €6 million.

Espanyol president Joan Collet remains adamant there have been no talks, via Sport Witness, but rumours of a potential transfer have increased in the past several days:

The 28-year-old stopper, who spent part of his youth as a member of Real Madrid's academy, has developed into one of the most reliable 'keepers in La Liga over the past two seasons, and according to Molero, Los Blancos hold 50 percent of his formation rights, which should drop Espanyol's asking price.

He's been a busy bee the past two seasons, via WhoScored.com:

Los Blancos hardly need another star 'keeper, with Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas already at the club, and fans might wonder why Florentino Perez would be interested in yet another stopper. ESPN FC's Michael Yokhin certainly questions the decision:

But there's another theory, and one that might actually make sense. Los Blancos have been linked with Manchester United's David De Gea for months now, and the pressure on United is ever increasing, per Marca (h/t Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst).

It is believed De Gea is anxious to return to the Spanish capital, and if that's the case, he won't be happy when he reads Los Blancos could opt to sign another goalkeeper. As reported by AS, via Sport Witness, Collet was asked whether it could be a tactic from Real:

United couldn't care less if Los Blancos spend €6 million on another goalkeeper, but De Gea may see it as a sign Real are moving to a Plan B and fight harder to secure his release from the Mancunians.

If Real's interest in Casilla is genuine and the transfer goes through, the club will bring in another veteran star who has already shown he can be productive in La Liga. Casilla will not start over Navas but could be used as depth should Casillas leave for FC Porto, which Marca (h/t Eurosport UK) says is all but a certainty.

Should Real fail with their bid to bring De Gea to the club this summer, Navas could hold down the fort until De Gea's contract runs out in 2016, while Casilla makes sure the club aren't without an experienced stopper should Navas get injured in the meantime.

It's hardly the type of signing that will steal the headlines, but should disaster strike, it could be a hugely important one down the road. And there's good news for the fans as well. If Casillas does leave, they won't have to invest in a new jersey―some permanent marker will do.

Follow @ReverschPass