Date: 6th August 2018 at 6:00pm
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Thibaut Courtois has reportedly gone AWOL in order to force a move to Real Madrid, Matt Law of the Telegraph reports.

The 26-year-old Belgian was supposed to report to training on Monday where he was expected to tell new Head Coach, Maurizio Sarri that he wanted to leave the Club. Courtois had been on an extended holiday following Belgium’s third placed finish at the World Cup.

Courtois has been at Chelsea since 2012 and is expected to leave the Club in this transfer window. It is reported that the Belgian wants to return to Madrid to be closer with his family. Courtois spent three seasons between 2011 and 2014 on loan at Atletico Madrid, making 111 La Liga appearances.

The transfer window in England closes on Thursday at 17:00. However, players could still depart and Spanish clubs have until the end of August to buy players. So, there is no rush to confirm any potential deal between Thibaut Courtois and Real Madrid.

Chelsea are under immense pressure to sign a replacement. Sky Sports, Jim White, has reported that Stoke City’s Jack Butland is the number one target, with Everton not interested in negotiations for highly-rated Jordan Pickford.    

https://twitter.com/JimWhite/status/1026497975932125184

Butland, 25, signed for Stoke in 2013 from Birmingham and has made 88 appearances in all competitions for the Potteries. Stoke were relegated last season as Butland kept six clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances. Butland will be able to depart Stoke for a fee around £30 million but want a deal completed quickly so they can adequately replace him. Should negotiations prolong right up until Thursday’s deadline then Stoke will require a higher fee.

Is Butland an adequate replacement should Courtois leave? Let us know.

 

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