Chelsea set to withdraw from race for England international stopper

Chelsea have cooled their interest in Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The England international was being looked at as a backup option in case Thibaut Courtois refused to sign a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are however now confident that the Belgian stopper will put pen to paper on a new deal.

The 25 year old has been seeking an offer in excess of £200,000 a week to match that of David de Gea at Manchester United, and the Telegraph believe the keeper has been given what he wants in the new offer that is on the table.

Courtois’s personal situation does complicate matters though. The keeper’s children live in Spain with his ex partner, and the Belgian international has expressed a desire to be closer to them. His options in La Liga are limited with only two clubs; Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, who could afford him. With Real pursuing Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, it could reduce his choices further still.

Still, Chelsea will no doubt keep a close eye on Butland. Atletico’s current number one Jan Oblak has yet to commit his own future to the Spanish side, and if the Slovenian leaves, they may then decide to pursue Courtois.