The agent of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is reportedly in constant contact with Real Madrid, trying to convince them to sign his client this summer.
That’s the claim made by Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, who has told Ok Diario that although Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea remains the La Liga giants’ top target, Courtois is their second choice and his agent is pushing the move.
“Courtois is the second choice for the position. His agent calls Real Madrid every day to offer them his services,” he notes in the report.
“It could give them an option to sign him because his contract ends in 2018. Chelsea would be willing to do business if Madrid drop their interest in taking [Eden] Hazard off them.”
While the Belgian international has been integral to Chelsea’s run so far this season as they look on course to reclaim the Premier League title, it would be a major shock to see him leave Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte will undoubtedly hope to keep hold of him, but it remains to be seen whether or not there is a strong desire to return to Madrid on the 24-year-old’s part after he enjoyed a highly-successful loan spell at Atletico not so long ago.
In the report, it’s claimed that De Gea could cost up to £60m, a fee that has Real questioning themselves over whether or not they would want to spend that much on a goalkeeper.
In turn, Courtois has emerged as a highly-appealing alternative as with his contact expiring in 2018, he could be available for a much cheaper price as Chelsea will either want him to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge or risk losing him in a cut-price deal.
Coupled with the Hazard element of the report, perhaps there is a deal to be done there but Conte will undoubtedly be keen to avoid losing one of his most influential players.