Thibaut
Courtois' agent has pleaded with Chelsea to allow the goalkeeper to join
Real Madrid this summer.
Chelsea will not resume talks with Real over a deal for the Belgium
international, who has one year left on his contract, until they find a
suitable replacement,
Sky Sports News understands.
The 26-year-old, who has previously said "all options are open", is said to
be valued at £32m by Madrid but Courtois' agent Christophe Henrotay says
Chelsea should show some compassion.
"I have been reading everywhere that Chelsea are saying it is up to Thibaut,
but he has made it clear to the club that the best option for him is to move
to Madrid," Henrotay said.
"For him this is a big decision because he wants to be near his family, and
there is an offer in place for Chelsea to accept."
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri admitted he was unsure of Courtois' future but
the Italian is optimistic of retaining his services.
"At the moment Courtois is the goalkeeper of Chelsea," Sarri said, ahead of
the club's Community Shield clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
"I don't know in the future. It depends on the club, it depends especially
on him, but I hope Courtois will be our goalkeeper."
Henrotay also denied money is a motivating factor in Courtois' desire to
seek a new challenge.
"We have seen suggestions that it is about money, and it is true he could
get an increase with a move," he added.
"But he has turned down a better offer elsewhere because this is more than a
financial decision.
"Throughout this it has important for everyone to be reasonable, and the
buying club has come up with a reasonable offer for a player who has one
year left on his contract when they know they could sign him without a fee
in 12 months.
"Chelsea could get a fair fee for him now and sign a replacement. Or they
would still have to sign a replacement next summer, but without getting a
fee for Thibaut.
"It is understandable people might be upset because he wants to leave the
club, we accept that.
"But this is a human decision based on someone wanting to be close to his
children - and that is a reasonable thing too."
Courtois is due back for pre-season training on Monday, with Chelsea opening
their Premier League campaign away against Huddersfield on Saturday.
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