THIBAUT COURTOIS is reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal at Chelsea and is holding out for a move to Real Madrid and a return to La Liga.
The former Atletico Madrid keeper's contract expires with the London club in 2019 and is said to be ignoring their attempts to extend his stay. Spanish paper Marca claim the Belgium international is happy at Stamford Bridge with the club that signed him as a 19-year-old but feels his time in English top-tier is coming to an end.
Chelsea's hierarchy are aware of Courtois' desire to join Madrid as a priority but owner Roman Abramovich is ready to fight to keep the No.1 goalkeeper where he is.
Meanwhile, the Spanish side are in the market for a new stopper to become a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Keylor Navas.
At 25-years-old Courtois fits the bill for Los Blancos with his talent and the mix of experience and youth they are after. Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Courtois since he impressed in La Liga during a three-season loan stint with Atletico Madrid.
His agent Christophe Henrotay commented in June that he has regular discussions with the directors at the Spanish outfit regarding Courtois' situation.
If Chelsea are unable to tie down the stopper they will have to decide whether to cash in at the end of the season or run the risk of losing him on a free transfer when his contract ends. Also high on Real Madrid's radar is Manchester United's David De Gea who's contract also expires in 2019.
But Old Trafford faithful can rest easier with the 26-year-old seeming motivated to stay in Manchester as contract extension talks begin.
Marca also mention Jan Oblak as a possible target but believe he is unlikely to move across town from Atletico Madrid due to his loyalty to Diego Simeone's side as well as facing competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
From The Sun
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