Valencia want Espanyol’s Casilla

Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is a contender to replace the injured Diego Alves at Valencia, reports claim.

Alves tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Los Che’s last game of the season, the 3-2 win at Almeria, and is expected to miss a significant portion of 2015 as a result.

Valencia are therefore looking for a new goalkeeper for their return to the Champions League as Yoel isn’t considered experienced enough to step in full-time.

Coach Nuno Santo has told the Mestalla hierarchy that a goalkeeper is high on his agenda and Mundo Deportivo say Casilla has been identified as a candidate.

Casilla signed a new contract with Espanyol fairly recently and the terms include an €10m release clause.

Espanyol are also understood to have assured Casilla they wouldn’t stand in his way if they received a suitable offer.

Los Periquitos could also do with the money, MD add, while Casilla would welcome the chance to compete for trophies and play in Europe.