Leeds appear to have pulled off a transfer U-turn, as United executives are open to keeping one-time Spain international Kiko Casilla, according to respected journalist Phil Hay.
Former Real Madrid shot-stopper Casilla’s future at Elland Road had been in doubt throughout the summer, as the Whites were believed to be open to offers for the 32-year-old just months after his arrival.
The former international ‘keeper experienced an error-strewn few months in West Yorkshire leading up to his Play-Off Semi-Final blunder against Derby County, while his weekly wage coming in the region of £30k to £40,000-a-week made his future at the club uneasy.
Reports also surfaced earlier this month suggesting United chiefs were still unsure who would be our number one heading into the new Championship campaign, and could look to pull off a raid on Newcastle United for Karl Darlow.
Hay, however, understands Casilla is very much a part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans on the horizon of a new term, and the 32-year-old is likewise keen to continue plying his trade between the sticks at Elland Road.
This will put further doubt over the future of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, however, as the Leeds product had declared he may have to leave United this summer if he is not Bielsa’s number one next season.
Chances of the Whites targeting further centre-back reinforcements are also in doubt now, as Hay added that he would not be surprised if Bielsa opted to stick with his current contingent of defenders, as the Argentine is a big fan of Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Ben White.
White could line up alongside Liam Cooper for Leeds against Bristol City next month in the Championship curtain-raiser, as Gaetano Berardi is suspended.