Real Madrid goalkeeper
Iker Casillas and striker
Fernando Morientes are set to sign new deals at the Bernabeu within the next few days.
The Spanish champions got the ball rolling on Tuesday when their sports manager Jorge met with the two players' agents, Gines
Carvajal and Fernando Toldra.
Casillas is under contract with the 'Merengues' until 2003 and is likely to receive a substantial wage rise by agreeing to sign a new deal. Last season, the 20-year-old raked in more money through bonuses and sponsorship money than through his salary.
The keeper is one of the club's lowest earners but the new deal will see his salary gradually increase to put him on a par with his more illustrious team-mates.
Casillas will start on a basic salary in the region of $US 1.6m but by the end of 2006, he will be taking home a sum approaching $US 3m.
On top of that will be an additional bonus of $US 650,000 should he complete more than 80 games during the next two seasons.
Furthermore,
Casillas will wear the number one jersey as of next season which was made available when
Bodo Illgner left the club recently.
Morientes meanwhile is currently tied to the Bernabeu until 2002 and like
Casillas, is expected to extend his stay at the club for another three years.