Chelsea could be braced for a stern fight in the market to retain the services of one of their key players, as speculation continues to link him with a move across the continent.
The Daily Mirror states Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is keen to leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid if the three-time consecutive Champions League winners make a move to bring him back to the Spanish capital.
Courtois previously spent time in Madrid with Atletico and his young family still lives in the city, making a move to LaLiga increasingly appealing, and is ready to quit Chelsea – but only if a move to the Santiago Bernabeu materialises.
Chelsea could be encouraged by the fact that the report adds Courtois is not Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper in the market, as Los Blancos’ preferred option is Roma ace Alisson – although the Brazil goalkeeper could cost a stunning £80m.
Intriguingly, Chelsea are also keen on Alisson as a potential replacement for 26-year-old Courtois and could fund a move for the Champions League semi-finalist with a sale of their current stopper.
