Manchester City have emerged as clear favourites to land Real Madrid's out-of-favour goalkeeper Iker Casillas ahead of Arsenal.

The Spain international has struggled for first-team action over the last 12 months at the Bernabeu and has subsequently been linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window. Casillas is desperate to secure regular football in a World Cup year so is keen to head out of Real as soon as possible after first losing his place as undisputed number one under old boss Jose Mourinho last season and then struggling to force his way back in under Carlo Ancelotti.

The 32-year-old, who has been used by the La Liga giants in the Champions League this term, has apparently been offered to both City and Arsenal but Manuel Pellegrini remains favourite to land him.

With question marks over Joe Hart's form, Pellegrini is on the lookout for a reliable goalkeeper and Casillas clearly fits the bill. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has considered a move for Casillas but is believed to be satisfied with Wojciech Szczesny at the Emirates to leave the path clear for City to try and set up a January deal.