Chelsea's Courtois a step closer to joining Real Madrid
According to Het Laastle Nieuws, the operation to take the Belgian goalkeeper to the Santiago Bernabéu, and nearer his family, is in advanced stages.
Chelsea are close to giving the green light for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to follow his heart to the Santiago Bernabéu, according to reports in Belgium. This comes at a time when the strongest links yet have been confirmed for the same move by Eden Hazard.
Coming to Madrid: Courtois
The London club has just announced its new coach, Maurizio Sarri, and a new signing, Jorginho, was initially reluctant to sell the Belgian keeper and repeatedly offered him an improved contract to stay. His current agreement expires in June 2019. However, the strong desire from Courtois to return to Madrid to be closer to his children has led to his club being open to negotiations.
Before authorising the release, however, Chelsea must secure a replacement, with Brazil's Alisson Becker seen as first choice. The new manager would welcome the arrival of Roma's stopper, one who has been on the wish list for Real Madrid as well as strongly linked to Liverpool.
Chelsea, conscious that Courtois is in the last year of his contract, had previously asked for 50 million euros but, according to Belgian media outlet Het Laastle Nieuws, they have been willing to lower this, knowing that the player is not going to re-sign.
Real Madrid are prepared to offer the 26-year-old goalkeeper a five-year contract with a gross salary of 11 million euros per year.
