David de Gea: Iker Casillas wants Manchester United goalkeeper at Real Madrid

Real Madrid stalwart Iker Casillas appears to have revealed that he would like to see Manchester United star and international rival David de Gea arrive at the Bernabeu next season as well as confirming that he intends to remain at the club also.

The previously popular Casillas has suffered from a notable drop in form over recent seasons and is finally expected to be replaced this summer after 25 years at Real, during which time he progressed through the youth set up before going on to win six La Liga titles and three Champions League winners' medals.

De Gea has long been touted as the 34-year-old's successor with the former Atletico goalkeeper yet to agree terms on an extension to his current Old Trafford contract which is due to expire in June 2016.

"Yes, I'll still be here, why do you want me to say it again?" Casillas was reported by the Spanish press as responding to one autograph hunter at Real's training facility in Valdebebas regarding queries over his own future.

When questioned if he would like to see De Gea join, the World Cup winner, who seemingly would not be drawn on the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti, added: "Of course I would."

Such a desire, if it came to pass, would surely relegate Casillas to second-string status where he would have to compete with Costa Rican Keylor Navas for a place among the substitutes.

Manchester United have not quite given up hope on retaining De Gea, however, with manager Louis van Gaal having once again re-iterated his belief that the player will stay put during a pre-match press conference ahead of his team's final day trip to Hull City.

De Gea suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted to a standing ovation with 16 minutes remaining of the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on 17 May and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to start what could be his last match for the club at the KC Stadium.

If he is not, then Victor Valdes will make his first senior start since moving to the Premier League in January as part of a deal that was generally viewed as a contingency plan in preparation for his compatriot's possible departure.

Real also close out their season this weekend with the visit of Getafe. Los Blancos are currently four points adrift of champions Barcelona and rumours have been rife that Ancelotti is likely to be dismissed after the final whistle regardless of the result.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez is currently believed to be winning the race to succeed the Italian with his time at Napoli drawing to a close.