Casillas: I will compete with De Gea at Real Madrid

The experienced Blancos goalkeeper says he will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, and is clearly confident that his Manchester United counterpart will be joining him

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has dropped the biggest hint yet that Manchester United's David De Gea will move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Casillas has been heavily criticised by a section of the Madrid support over the past couple of years and had been tipped to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

But he insists he will be staying put and that he would welcome the competition from De Gea, who is yet to sign an extension at Old Trafford and has been the subject of serious interest from the Spanish giants.

"I'm delighted with the competition. My contract does not say I have to start. I would like to finish my career her," Casillas told Cadena Ser.

"[De Gea] is a really nice boy and a goalkeeper for the present and future. We have a very close relationship. He would be well received and helped. We will compete like we compete in the national team.

"He can handle the pressure and will be served from his experience at United."

Casillas also reveals that he has spoken with Madrid president Florentino Perez about goalkeepers at other clubs.

"I spoke to him about the ones that I like," he added. "I spoke to him about Asenjo or Sergio Rico. Now, De Gea is the most skilled."