Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reportedly told his friends he will be joining Real Madrid next summer.
Reports in Spain have it that the Belgian could be set for a La Liga return at the end of the season with Real being his possible destination.
The 24-year-old keeper had earlier talked about his chances of leaving the Stamford Bridge in the last summer transfer window but moved to swiftly quash such speculations.
Speaking on his prospects of returning to Spain, he said in September: ‘When I left Spain I had it clear in my mind that one day I was going to return there,
‘From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, food.
‘I still maintain eating dinner and then an afternoon nap; most of the television I see is Spanish. I am half Spanish.
‘I have a contract with Chelsea for three more years.
‘In 2018, when I enter the final year of my contract, we will have to evaluate if it is better to renew or walk away.’
Madrid-based radio station Onda Cero has now claimed that Courtois has made initial contact with Real Madrid and will join the Spanish giants in the summer.
The Belgium international is having a good season with Chelsea keeping as many clean sheets as possible in the league so far. Having joined up with the Blues squad three seasons ago, after his loan spell at Atletico Madrid where he helped them win the La Liga title but returned to Chelsea since he was on loan.
