With Iker Casillas now 33 years young, the search for a permanent replacement is in the works at Real Madrid. According to Spanish outlet AS, the club has been in contact with Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea for some weeks.
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Per the report, De Gea believes that his time in Manchester has been completed and yearns for a return to his native land—this despite conflicting reports from England about a potential contract renewal.
Thursday's signing of Victor Valdes did little to silence speculation.
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United manager Louis van Gaal, however, went out of his way to extinguish any controversy. Despite Valdes' talent and pedigree, he will remain No. 2 behind De Gea.
"I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players," van Gaal told reporters at Valdes' unveiling (via Express). "Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks."
"He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team."
The question is: For how long?
Not only are Casillas' legs aging, but his mind too is opening to the fact that the end is near.
"I'll be 36 by the time my contract ends in 2017," he told Cadena Cope (via Manchester Evening News). "I need to be realistic. At that age, things must slowly be considered. I hope the club tells me that they want me to continue, but I think I should go step by step."
Don't be surprised if De Gea is shadowing those steps at the Santiago Bernabeu in the near future.
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