Chelsea face a stern fight throughout August to keep their prized assets away from the clutches of European clubs and are standing firm on their demands.
The Daily Star claims the Blues have rejected Real Madrid’s £31m offer for Thibaut Courtois, considering the approach to be far less than the goalkeeper’s true value – despite the fact he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
Belgium international Courtois is desperate to join the Champions League winners, with his young family still living in Madrid following his time with Atletico, but the likelihood of him seeing out the final year of his contract is increasing.
Chelsea have until Thursday to land a replacement for the World Cup golden glove winner and have struggled to land a top-class replacement, with the Blues missing out on Alisson to Liverpool and put off by Atletico Madrid’s price-tag for Jan Oblak.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kevin Trapp, Stoke City’s Jack Butland and AC Milan’s Pepe Reina are also said to be under consideration.