Yesterday's news that Tottenham are ready to bid £25 million for Casillas was the talk of the Spain squad and Xavi said later in the day: "I know Casillas well because he is a good friend mine.

"He is very rooted in Madrid and it would surprise me a lot if he left.

"However, in the world of football many things can happen. But I see at this moment it being very difficult that Iker leaves Real Madrid."