Chelsea have begun to plan for life without Thibaut Courtois as the Belgian’s future continues to look likely to be at Real Madrid.
Courtois has just 18 months left on his current deal, but has been very unwilling to sign a new contract, sparking rumours that he is looking to move back to Spain with Real Madrid.
Los Merengues are looking for a new long-term number one and they have had their eyes on Courtois and Manchester United’s David de Gea over the past couple of seasons.
Chelsea have offered Courtois a new deal that would make him the highest paid goalkeeper in the world, but the Belgian has asked for talks of a new contract to be shifted until after the season at least. It is believed he is expecting Real Madrid to pounce when his deal would remain just 12 months.
However, Chelsea have begun planning for life without him and the Blues believe Manchester City’s Joe Hart is a capable replacement.
Hart is out of favour at the Etihad and has found himself in a similar position at West Ham since the appointment of David Moyes. The England number one would have just a year left after his loan switch to the Hammers, and Chelsea want to bring him to Stamford Bridge knowing he would be cheap at that time.
