Transfer news : Chelsea to force Courtois to stay as Real Madrid come up short with bid

Chelsea are set to hold on to Thibaut Courtois for the immediate future, according to a report in the Express. 

The Blues had widely been expected to have to wave goodbye to their goalkeeper this summer, with Real Madrid said to be the likely suitors.
However, with the Londoners unable to find a suitable replacement for the colossal Belgian, it seems Courtois may in fact be staying put.

Rumours of discontent had been swirling at the conclusion of Chelsea’s previous campaign, and the Express also claim that Courtois has informed those around him he is keen to secure his Real Madrid switch.

Despite the player’s desire, it appears as though a £31 million bid from Los Blancos won’t be enough to force Chelsea to acquiesce to the sale.

Beaten to Alisson Becker by Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea have the opportunity of triggering the release clause of Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak, but at £90 million new boss Maurizio Sarri may be compelled to look elsewhere.

Other options for a possible Courtois replacement include Stoke’s Jack Butland, Kevin Trapp of PSG, and veteran Pepe Reina. - Read Sport