Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea has emerged as Real Madrid’s preferred goalkeeping acquisition to replace Iker Casillas, as reported by fichajes.net.

However, this does not necessarily mean that he will be signed, with questions about whether De Gea is a better option than Espanyol’s Kiko Casilla still existing.

The Man Utd keeper was in incredible form to keep Everton at bay just prior to the international break, and has since been handed a further boost after starting Spain’s last Euro 2016 qualifier.

He has been identified by Real as the ideal replacement to the stalwart Casillas, having also replaced him for the national side.

However, with Man Utd thought to want €31 million for his services, it might prove to be the case that the transfer fee is prohibitive.

Real’s hierarchy apparently do not believe it is reasonable to spend that much on a goalkeeper, and would instead consider Casilla as an option, as he would only cost around €10 million.

Manchester United could find it difficult to hold on to Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, after it was revealed that Real Madrid are very keen on making a move for him in January, as reported by fichajes.net.

The site has previously reported that the Spanish giants see De Gea as a possible replacement for the stalwart goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

There have been consistent suggestions on the Iberian peninsula that Kiko Casilla, who plays for Espanyol, would be the preferred replacement to the veteran Casillas.

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There is also the matter of Keylor Navas, who Real signed this summer as another option to play between the sticks.

However, there is now the suggestion that De Gea is the chosen man for club president Florentino Perez.

In fact, if Real were to move Casillas on in the winter window, a move for De Gea in January would be considered a realistic prospect for the Champions League winners.