Real Madrid Dumps David De Gea for Casilla

Real Madrid have confirmed that they have reached a deal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla for €6 million on a five-year contract, after Manchester United refused to release David De Gea.

The Los Blancos effort to sign the Spanish international has been fruitless, thereby turning their attention to the 28-year Espayonyol goalkeeper, who departed the Bernabau in 2008.

"Real Madrid and Espanyol have agreed to the transfer of Kiko Casilla, subject to a necessary medical examination," Madrid stated. "The player will be tied to the club for the next five seasons.

At a press conference on Friday, Casilla paid tribute to Casillas' 25 years on Madrid's books but believes he can now seize the opportunity to become Rafa Benitez's No.1.

"The opportunity to sign for Real Madrid comes only once and I was determined to take it," he told reporters. "Iker's time at Madrid is at an end and I wish him the best, but now it's my turn. I think he's the best Madrid goalkeeper ever, though.

"Espanyol gave me the opportunity to become a professional player and I am grateful to the club for letting me leave. They'll remain a close club to me and I hope to come back someday in the future."

Casilla's contract would have allowed him to join Rafa Benitez's squad for €10 million, but it is widely believed that the Barcelona-based club have parted ways with the 28-year-old for a fee nearer €6m after rejecting a €4m offer earlier in July.

Casilla had featured 126 times for Espanyol in his seven years at the Estadi Cornella El Prat. Goal