Leeds United are edging closer to signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, according to Yorkshire Post journalist Phil Hay.

The Whites have been desperate to land a new stopper following a season ending injury to then on-loan goalkeeper Jamal Blackman left youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell as the only fit professional stopper at Elland Road.

However, Marcelo Bielsa has now moved to solve the issue it seems, with the Spanish goalkeeper set to sign for the Whites on a permanent deal.

According to the report in the YEP, Casilla is set to sign a permanent deal with the Championship leaders after Leeds agreed to pay the money to get him out of his Madrid contract, which has 18 months left to run on at the moment.

A full Spanish international, albeit with only one single cap, Casilla represents quite the coup for the Whites and is a massive boost to the squad as they seek to return to the Premier League under their new and impressive manager Bielsa.

The 32-year-old has found life at the Bernabeu hard in the main, with minutes often limited due to the impressive goalkeeping options Madrid have in the ranks, which currently includes the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Keylor Navas.

Leeds maintained their excellent form last night with a 2-0 win over Derby County.

The Verdict

Wow, what a signing this is for the club, and what a difference maker it could be.

Casilla has bags of experience and you don't play for Real Madrid without being of a certain quality.

Peacock-Farrell has looked nervous at times despite the club topping the table, and this is exactly the sort of move Leeds needed to complete.