Real Madrid are said to have agreed terms with Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the Belgium international edges closer to leaving Stamford Bridge, according to the Mail.
The newspaper adds that the Champions League winners have identified Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris as their back-up options if talks with Chelsea break down.
Madrid have been on a summer long pursuit of the Chelsea senior player, with the Spanish side looking to upgrade from current shot-stopper Keylor Navas.
The report states that personal terms have been agreed between Courtois and Madrid, with Julen Lopetegui’s team now having to focus on negotiating a fee with Chelsea.
Any pursuit for Lloris, if the Courtois move breaks down, will likely be just as tricky to finalise. Spurs chief Daniel Levy is a notoriously tough negotiator, and the club will surely be reluctant to see their World Cup winning ‘keeper depart.
Madrid, who lost star man Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus this summer, are set to make some big signings this summer, with President Florentino Perez promising ‘incredible players’ will arrive at the Bernabeu.
Good move for Chelsea?
The fee that Chelsea would receive for Courtois, should they agree to sell him, would likely rival Liverpool’s recent purchase of Alisson. That much money being invested into the squad could help plug a few holes for Maurizio Sarri. However, the names being linked with Chelsea as Courtois’ replacement are not quite on his level. Kasper Schmeichel, Jack Butland and former Blues man Petr Cech have all been linked with the position, but none of that trio are as naturally talented as the giant Belgian. If Chelsea see Courtois’ move to Madrid as inevitable, then they would be wise to cash in now and milk Perez for as much as he’s worth. For Spurs, they should do whatever it takes to keep Lloris at the club. The Frenchman is their captain and one of their best players, he must not be allowed to leave.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
All indications are that Courtois will be on his way back to Madrid this summer. The player has dropped several hints that he wants to leave Chelsea, and with his children living in the Spanish capital, Real are the obvious destination. It all boils down to Madrid and Chelsea agreeing a fee now.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10