Chelsea transfer news: Thibaut Courtois 'in talks with Real Madrid', John Obi Mikel set to leave in January

The latest transfer rumours from Stamford Bridge on Friday 23 December

Reports suggest Thibaut Courtois could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer (Getty)

Thibaut Courtois is set to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid, according to Spanish media outlet Marca.

The Belgian, who spent a successful loan spell in the Spanish capital with Atletico Madrid, has reportedly notified friends of an impending summer switch to the Bernabeu next summer.

Indeed, Real officials are said to have already made contact with Courtois and are in the process of formalising a deal.

John Obi Mikel is another Blues player on course to leave the Bridge.

The Nigerian’s agent has confirmed that it is looking increasingly likely that his client will move on in January having struggled to establish himself under Antonio Conte.

“It is very likely that Obi Mikel will leave Chelsea in January,” John Shittu said.

“There are many clubs who are interested in his services so let’s see how it goes. In the past, we did have some discussions with Inter Milan but there are also many other Italian clubs who want him.

“Mikel has admirers all over the world, in England, Germany, China, Spain and in Italy. Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.”

Forgotten midfielder Marco van Ginkel has emerged as a January target for Dutch side PSV.

The 24-year-old has failed to make a single appearance under Conte this season and has instead found himself playing for the U23 side.

With Chelsea open to offers, PSV are now contemplating signing the Dutchman – either on a temporary or permanent basis.

Van Ginkel spent half of last season on loan at PSV and the club’s sporting director, Marcel Brands, has confirmed they will make a move in January.

He told Dutch broadcaster Omroep Brabant: “We need to check with Chelsea.

“Of course he’s on our list, but we must also see if there is a spot for him at this time in our team.

"That question will be answered by our technical staff. We need to look even if he is feasible.”

Lastly, Chelsea have agreed to sell Oscar to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG on a permanent deal believed to be worth around £52m, the club have confirmed.

The Brazilian will become the most expensive player in China once he completes his deal, with Shanghai ready to offer him a contract worth a reported £400,000-a-week, overtaking the current highest earner in his new teammate Hulk and his £317,000-a-week.

The deal will also make Oscar the highest-paid player in world football pre-tax, surpassing the £365,000-a-week salary that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are believed to be on. However, their contracts are thought to include much larger bonuses that take their total wages beyond Oscar’s.