Chelsea transfer news: Thibaut Courtois joins Eden Hazard in putting future in doubt and Real Madrid on alert

Goalkeeper has fewer than 12 months to run on his contract and has dismissed Chelsea’s latest contract offer as he believes £200,000-a-week is no longer fitting for his ability

Thibaut Courtois has joined Eden Hazard in casting major doubt on his Chelsea future after claiming that the contract extension offered by the club is no longer suitable due to his performances at the World Cup, which he believes makes him worth more than £200,000-a-week.

The 26-year-old will depart on holiday following Belgium’s third-place finish at the World Cup with his future at Stamford Bridge far from certain, with talks over the last 12 months now appearing to be worthless.

“I will go back and I will see what they want and how they say it,” Courtois said after Belgium’s 2-0 victory over England on Saturday. “Obviously, with this World Cup, I think what was on the table is different than what I can have.

“In this World Cup, I have ignored all the speculation, all the rumours. But now, in the next few days, I will have a chat with my agent and see what Chelsea told him, and then we will talk. But I feel happy at Chelsea, it’s not that I necessarily want to leave.”

Despite his admission that he could yet stay at Chelsea, Real Madrid’s interest in Courtois places huge uncertainty over that possibility. With just one year left on his contract Chelsea face the difficult decision of either cashing in now on a goalkeeper that could generate in excess of £50m if sold this summer, or risk losing him for free next summer in the hope that he signs a new deal.

Courtois also raised the prospect of waiting to leave Chelsea until next season for nothing, which would infuriate fans as the club would miss out on a substantial transfer fee, but the Belgian defended that scenario and claimed it shows a loyalty from the player that is rarely seen these days.

Courtois has opened the door to leaving Chelsea (Reuters)

“People always complain that players don't comply with their contracts, but maybe they do,” Courtois added.

“I don't think they will keep someone with my qualities on the bench, even if I don't sign [a new contract]. But maybe [staying] is possible, because I like it in London.”

Madrid are keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer and have cooled their interest in Manchester United’s David De Gea, who is in talks about extending his stay at Old Trafford. With Courtois’ family also still in Madrid from his time on loan with Atletico, a move in the coming weeks looks more than likely – not least due to his comments about club and country teammate Hazard who has also cast serious doubt on staying at Chelsea.

Hazard's future is just as uncertain at Chelsea (AP)

After the match in St Petersburg, Hazard said: “After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different. Certainly after this World Cup

“I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want me to go. You know my preferred destination.”

With Madrid looking at Hazard as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, Chelsea face being raided this summer for two of their star players, giving new manager Maurizio Sarri a major headache on how to replace them, and Courtois’ additional revelation that “wherever I go Eden must come along, we will not let each other go” suggests that they will both be playing for the same club next season, be it Chelsea or Madrid.