Chelsea step up interest in replacement for Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea are prepared to rekindle their interest in England international goalkeeper Jack Butland as Thibaut Courtois stalls over a new contract, reports the Mail on Sunday. 

Courtois currently has 18 months left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, but is yet to agree terms on a new contract with the Premier League champions. 

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have both been credited with an interest in the Belgian shotstopper, who spent three years on loan with the latter before establishing himself as Chelsea’s number one. 

Talks will resume over a new deal at the end of the season, but Chelsea may opt to instead cash in on the 25-year-old and pursue Butland. 

The Stoke goalkeeper, who is currently sidelined with a finger injury, has been linked with a move to the west London side in the past and Chelsea could make their move for Butland should Courtois leave for pastures new. 

The Potters, though, would be unwilling to let Butland leave cheaply and would likely demand upwards of £30m for the 24-year-old, however that is unlikely to deter Chelsea.