Kiko Casilla
Kiko Casilla has joined Real Madrid from Espanyol Getty

Real Madrid's new signing Kiko Casilla has said he joined Rafa Benitez's side to be the first choice goalkeeper, amid ongoing speculation linking Manchester United custodian David de Gea with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants announced the arrival of the Spanish keeper from Espanyol last week, following the move of club legend Iker Casillas to Porto.

More about David De Gea

And despite Benitez also having Costa Rican sticksman Keylor Navas in his ranks, Spanish newspaper AS insists Real Madrid are still interested in signing De Gea before the end of the transfer window, with Navas probably moving out to make way.

The Guardian recently reported that Manchester United are looking to replace the outbound Victor Valdes with free agent Sergio Romero, as well as monitoring Ajax's Jasper Cillessen in case De Gea should leave Old Trafford.

And despite it seeming that Casillas's move to Porto paved the way for De Gea to return to Spain, Casilla has warned the United keeper that he did not join Los Blancos to be a back-up.

"My objectives are to be the first choice keeper, help the manager as much as I can on the pitch, form a strong bond with my teammates and try to play as often as I can," Casillas said to the club's official website during his first interview as a Real Madrid player.

"I'm fully aware that what I'm going through at the moment happens to very few people. I'm very privileged to have signed for Real Madrid, to have returned to my roots. I have an opportunity now that I want to make the most of and, above all else, I want to fight for this club."

The 28-year-old goalkeeper garnered a good reputation during his time at Espanyol and insists that apart from winning titles his motivation at Real Madrid is to get continual gametime.

"First and foremost, I'd like to avoid injuries, which is always important for an athlete. After that, winning a title with Real Madrid would be incredible. I hope I can win a lot of trophies. As well as that, I'd like to play as much as possible."