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PORTUGAL

Iker Casillas to stay with Porto for now as he decides his future

The Spanish goalkeeper's contract with the Primeira Liga runners-up ended on 30 June, although there is an option to extend for a year
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Iker Casillas, training with Porto
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Iker Casillas turned up to the first day of pre-season training on Monday morning with Porto, despite his contract coming to an end on 30 June 2017.

Casillas still expected to leave Porto

There was a clause in the contract with the Primeira Liga side that allowed for a year's extension, however, financial challenges at the club may force them to relieve some pressure on the wage bill and the ex-Real Madrid stopper leaving would assist with that objective. If a suitable exit is not forthcoming, the alternative is that Casillas accepts a drop in pay for the remainder of his time on the Portuguese coast.

Decisions, decisions: where will Iker be at the start of the season.
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Decisions, decisions: where will Iker be at the start of the season.

Liverpool and Arsenal speculation

Over recent months speculation has been rife that the former Spain number one could be heading for a new adventure in the Premier League (Liverpool or Arsenal), in Ligue 1 (Marseille) or across the pond in the MLS league. But none of these have come to fruition. Another option was a return to his homeland with Sevilla, Las Palmas, Real Sociedad and Málaga all prospective buyers, but the ex-captain of Real Madrid has always declined the chance to play for another club in Spain. His enigmatic social media messages only fuelled the exit speculation.

Iker suggesting he may be on the move.
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Iker suggesting he may be on the move.

Porto training time to decide

With the uncertainty surrounding his future Casillas has decided to get pre-season started with the Dragões and joined Sergio Conceiçao's squad as they prepare for the season ahead. Whether their current number one starts the 2017/18 campaign with them is to be seen. His appearance in the club's marketing campaign certainly gave some fans hope.