Thibaut Courtois has told his Chelsea team-mates and friends that he will join Real Madrid next summer, according to reports in Spain.
Marca claim that the Belgium international will make a return to La Liga at the end of the season, with Real Madrid in the driving seat for his signature, and has told those close to him about the transfer.
Madrid-based radio station Onda Cero report that Courtois has already held talks with Madrid’s hierarchy and is close to securing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old has been Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past three seasons, while his contract with the Premier League leaders expires in the summer of 2018.
Speaking in September, Courtois revealed that he wants to return to La Liga but stressed his desire to see out his current deal with Chelsea.
‘When I left Spain I had it clear in my mind that one day I was going to return there,’ he said.
‘From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, food.
‘I still maintain eating dinner and then an afternoon nap; most of the television I see is Spanish. I am half Spanish.
‘I have a contract with Chelsea for three more years.
‘In 2018, when I enter the final year of my contract, we will have to evaluate if it is better to renew or walk away.’
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