Liverpool and Newcastle United considering January transfer for Iker Casillas

Liverpool and Newcastle United are both considering a move for legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the January transfer window, according to El Pais – via the Mirror.

Casillas currently ply his trade in the Primeira Liga for FC Porto, but reports have emerged this week that the Portuguese side are looking to sell the 36-year-old in order to meet FIFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.

Casillas was dropped from the side for the match with Pacos de Ferreira on Saturday, even while he was at the time enjoying his best run of form since leaving Real Madrid.

Porto are in doubt whether they could score a big fine if they don’t balance the books, and see the former Real Madrid’s No. 1 €5m-a-year earnings is one way to cut back on expenses. The goalkeeper is believed to be very upset at his exclusion.

Paris Saint-Germain were linked with a move for Casillas earlier this week, but now Liverpool and the Newcastle are set to enter the frame too. The Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is said to be looking for an option between the sticks and sees the Spaniard as a possible target, while Jurgen Klopp – and the Reds fans – aren’t believed to be too happy with their current options in goal.

Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet have both failed to really establish themselves at the Anfield, with both goalkeeper making a number of errors while donning the jersey. Mignolet currently sits at Klopp’s first choice, but reports this week have suggested that Karius could now be drafted in after the Merseyside’s 4-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Casillas is currently unable to get a game for Porto and has been on the bench for Sergio Conceicao’s side while 24-year-old Jose Sa has been picked instead of the Real Madrid icon.

The Spaniard took to Instagram to register his obvious disappointment after he was dropped for last week’s Champions League game against RB Leipzig.

Pensando en @uefachampionsleague … 🤔💬

A post shared by Iker Casillas (@ikercasillas) on Oct 16, 2017 at 11:09am PDT

Casillas joined Porto in the summer of 2015, after spending the entirety of his career until that point with boyhood club Real.