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Football

25th Jul 2018

Thibaut Courtois moves closer to Chelsea exit after agreeing terms with Real Madrid

Don't worry, Rob Green's got this

Simon Lloyd

Chelsea might be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper (that isn’t Rob Green) in what’s left of the transfer window

Thibaut Courtois, the number one at Stamford Bridge, now appears to be inching ever closer to a move to Real Madrid.

The Belgian international has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu and has made no secret of his wish to return to the Spanish capital – where he played for Atletico between 2011 and 2014 – to be close to his children. A report by the Daily Mail now claims that Courtois has agreed personal terms with Real, who have seemingly ended their interest in Manchester United’s David De Gea.

Although veteran goalkeeper Rob Green is expected to complete a move to Chelsea imminently, he is only expected to be back-up to whoever the club have as their first choice goalkeeper for the new season.

Maurizio Sarri is thought to have shortlisted Alisson Becker as one of the options to replace Courtois prior to the Brazilian’s move from Roma to Liverpool last week. Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel and Stoke City’s Jack Butland are also thought to be possible transfer targets.

Although Courtois’ move to Spain now appears to be inevitable, it’s thought Maurizio Sarri would like to finalise a deal for his replacement before he is allowed to complete his move.

Sarri was officially unveiled as Chelsea boss earlier this month. His only major signing so far has been the arrival of Jorginho, who was a key player for him during his spell as Napoli manager.