Real Madrid want Thibaut Courtois to stall on world-record Chelsea deal as they plot summer move
Spanish giants are after a new No1 in the summer and have placed the Belgian on their potential shortlist alongside Manchester United's David de Gea
REAL MADRID want Thibaut Courtois to stall on his Chelsea contract until at least April, according to reports.
The Belgian stopper, who has just over a year left on his current deal, has had an offer on the table at the Blues since the end of last year.
The Spanish giants are after a new No1 between the sticks and know full well that Courtois is eager to return to Madrid.
His wife and two children have remained in the Spanish capital following Courtois' loan spell at Atletico.
But Zinedine Zidane's side want to keep their options open and have also targeted a move for Manchester United's David de Gea.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of the Spaniard having failed to land him in the summer of 2015.
Thibaut Courtois on links with Real Madrid
"I’m not clear about my future, what I said that my heart is in Madrid was misunderstood.
"I have two children in Spain, in Madrid, and that’s not easy. I have one year left (here) and I’m happy and talking to Chelsea.
"They have bet on me from the first moment and that is not forgotten.
"I do not think Florentino Perez calls me, he will call my agent and he will listen to him."
They know it would take a huge offer for United to even consider cashing in on their star man and the Red Devils will trigger a clause in the keeper's contract to keep him at the club until 2020.
De Gea is thought to be their first choice but landing Courtois' is believed to be the easier option.
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And the Telegraph report that's why Real Madrid want the 25-year-old to delay putting pen to paper.
It is believed Courtois' new contract would make him the best paid keeper in the world on over £200,000-a-week.
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He knows he risks causing unrest among the management staff if he continues to delay extending his stay at the Bridge.
Madrid could send scouts to watch Courtois go up against De Gea this weekend when Manchester United host Chelsea.