David De Gea's move to Real Madrid has moved a step closer, with Iker Casillas set to quit the Spanish giants.
Reports from Spain are claiming Real skipper Casillas will leave the 10-time European Cup winners this summer, ahead of the arrival of Manchester United keeper De Gea.
According to Spanish TV station RTVE, the 34-year-old legend is ready to end his illustrious association with Real, clearing the way for De Gea to take on the mantle of No.1 at the Bernabeu giants.
Real are expected to table a formal bid of around £25million for De Gea in the coming days.
Sources in Spain claim the 24-year-old, who has been at Old Trafford for four years since joining from Real's Madrid neighbours Atletico, could be unveiled as early as next week.
But Man United are certain to play hardball over the fee for De Gea, believing his correct market value to be around £40m, despite the fact he has just one year left on his current contract.
Casillas is said to have chosen to leave Real because he does not want to cause problems for his lifelong club, with De Gea having already been promised the No.1 jersey.
Less than a fortnight ago, Casillas claimed he was staying put.
But there appears to have been a significant shift in his thinking since then, with De Gea's arrival at the Bernabeu now seen as imminent.
Casillas has made 725 appearances for Real during a glittering career which has included three Champions League triumphs, five La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey crowns.
Real are reported to want Espanyol's Kiko Casilla to be second choice to De Gea.