By Laura O'Leary

11th Dec, 2017 | 8:02pm

Newcastle can have CL winner for free in January to solve problem area, Benitez a fan - report

Real Madrid have offered Kiko Casilla to Newcastle United and are willing to let him go on loan or on a free transfer, according to a report.

The Daily Mail reports that goalkeeper is surplus to requirements as the club want to sign Kepa from Athletic Bilbao in January.

Rafa Benitez brought Casilla to Real Madrid when he was manager, and the goalkeeper has made 26 appearances for the club.

The Magpies boss tried to bring Casilla to Newcastle United in the summer after missing out on first-choice targets.

Benitez failed in his quest then but Los Blancos are now keen for the goalkeeper to move.

Football Insider Verdict

Newcastle United keep finding themselves linked to goalkeepers as Benitez aims to find a consistent number one. Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow have both battled to be first-choice this season, but neither have excelled. Casilla looks like a safe pair of hands, even if he doesn’t seem like long-term fix. The goalkeeper has kept three cleans in seven league appearance this season and has two Champions League winners medals. The only downside to signing Casilla is that he has no Premier League experience, having only played in Spain. While normally with goalkeepers that doesn’t seem to matter, Claudio Bravo proved for Manchester City last season, that it can still be a difficult transition. 

In other Newcastle United news, Phil Neville has urged the Magpies to make these changes.

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