da bet esporte： According to reports in Spanish publication Marca, Newcastle United could reignite their interest in Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla having failed in a move to bring him to St James’ Park during the summer transfer window.
What’s the word, then?
da bwin： Well, Benitez was keen to bring a new goalkeeper to the newly-promoted Premier League outfit before the start of the current season, but a deal for Casilla failed to materialise with Real not signing a new stopper themselves.
Newcastle’s first-choice keeper in the Premier League this season – Rob Elliot – was dropped for Karl Darlow in the 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion in midweek, and Benitez could reignite his search for a new man between the sticks in January.
Marca says that Real are keen on a deal for Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa, and despite the fact that Casilla has filled in for the injured Keylor Navas in recent times, he could be surplus to requirements in the New Year if Kepa does arrive at the Bernabeu.
How has Casilla done this season?
The 31-year-old started the campaign as second-choice behind Navas, but injuries have meant that he has been handed his chance by Zinedine Zidane, and he has been named in the XI for nine of the La Liga giants’ last 10 matches in all competitions.
He has conceded nine goals and kept five clean sheets in his 10 outings in total, with Real failing to win in four of those games.
Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?
He certainly would be.
There will be doubts over the abilities of Elliot and Darlow from the St James’ Park faithful as the Magpies look to avoid a relegation battle this season, and bringing in Casilla would certainly make Benitez and the fans feel more confident.
The 31-year-old has shown with his appearances for Real this season what a good goalkeeper he can be, and he certainly wouldn’t have any problem dealing with the pressure of playing in the Premier League having appeared for arguably the biggest club in the world.
Will Newcastle get him in January?
If Real get Kepa in the New Year then it certainly couldn’t be ruled out, but you would feel that could be a deal that is more likely for next summer unless Zidane wants a new number one right now.
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