Casillas
Iker Casillas has been under scrutiny at Real Madrid in recent seasons Reuters

Tottenham and Arsenal are among a number of European clubs who have held talks with the agent of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas regarding a summer transfer, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Although both Casillas and Real Madrid have publicly expressed their desire for the Spaniard to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, Marca suggest their positions are in fact completely different.

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With Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea expected to join Rafa Benitez's side during the summer transfer window, the club are keen on part ways with Casillas and get him off the wage bill.

However, neither party wants to acknowledge this for financial reasons.

Casillas, who is under contract in Madrid until summer 2017, wants to be forced out to ensure Madrid pay up his contract. If he leaves of his own volition, Real will not pay him any money.

Marca understands that, sooner rather than later, both parties will reach an agreement and the keeper will be playing somewhere else next season.

The Spanish publication even claims that Casillas' agent, Carlos Cutropia, has hold talks in recent weeks, including Spurs, with a number of clubs interested in the keeper regarding a summer move.

Marca says that both Tottenham and Arsenal, as well as Paris Saint Germain, Roma, Inter, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, have expressed interest in Casillas.

However, after AS recently claimed the keeper would like an adventure in London, Spurs appear strong contenders as, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are on the verge of signing Petr Cech from Chelsea instead.

The Independent recently broached the idea of Casillas moving to White Hart Lane as Hugo Lloris' future at the club looks uncertain – with the France international likely to seek a move to the Champions League.

Marca believes it is crucial that Real Madrid agree to rescind his deal and pay at least a part of the remaining contract - so Tottenham, or any other suitor, will be able to negotiate their own with the player and sign him for nothing.