MADRID: Costa Rica’s World Cup hero Keylor Navas has apparently been identified by European champions Real Madrid as the man to take over in goal, in due course, from Iker Casillas.

Navas, 27, has joined Madrid on a six-year deal from Levante after playing a key role in helping Los Ticos reach the quarter-finals in Brazil.

A club statement said: “Real Madrid CF and Levante UD have reached an agreement over the transfer of Keylor Navas, who will be tied to the club for the next six seasons. The player will be presented on Tuesday in the [Estadio] Bernabeu, after undergoing the relevant medical examinations.”

Madrid reportedly paid €10m to activate the keeper’s release clause and appears to confirm speculation that Diego Lopez, first-choice in La Liga last season, is on his way out, possibly to Napoli.

Club captain Casillas alternated last season by starting every game last season in the Copa del Rey and throughout the triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign.

Casillas has been first-choice in Madrid’s pre-season friendlies thus far after a disastrous World Cup which saw him concede seven goals in Spain’s defeats to Holland and Chile which helped cost them their world champions’ crown.

############