Espanyol president Joan Collet has confirmed he has rejected Real Madrid’s four-million-euro offer for former Los Blancos goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
Collet said in a press conference that “the offer is ridiculous and I haven’t taken it into consideration.”
“If Real Madrid do not increase their offer, I will not even sit to speak with them. Offering four million shows they are valuing Casilla and Espanyol very little. Casilla has a price that we consider fair and we will not negotiate for less. He has earned a great prestige in the last few seasons putting in great performances for this club,” the Espanyol president claimed.
Asked about whether they are demanding Real Madrid the payment of the player’s ten-million-euro buy-out clause, Collet explained “those clauses are rarely paid.” “We would like it to be that way, but we are open to negotiating. I am going to speak with the footballer and we will keep negotiating, but I’ve already explained if Madrid don’t increase the bid, there’s no possible negotiation,” he added.
Spanish media informed that Casilla has already reached an agreement with Los Blancos, but now the world champions have to agree terms with Espanyol.
Casilla will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu to become the back-up goalkeeper, as David de Gea is expected to get the number 1 role should he finally complete his move from Manchester United.
That will leave Keylor Navas in a difficult position. The Costa Rica international might seek for a move out of the Bernabeu, following Iker Casillas, who is about to sign for Porto.
