Chelsea Starlet Thibaut Courtois Agrees Terms To Join Real Madrid In 2016

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reportedly agreed terms in principle to join Real Madrid in 2016, once his contract at Stamford Bridge expires.

The Belgium international has garnered a reputation as one of the best keepers in the world during three consecutive seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, even though he is yet to make an appearance for the Blues.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Courtois will return to West London at the end of the season to fight for a place with Petr Cech and then, in the summer of 2016, will join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

However, the Spanish giants are still trying to convince Jose Mourinho to part with the 'keeper this summer by making a lucrative offer to both the player and the club to try and tempt the Blues into making a substantial profit on the original £5m they paid for him in 2011.

Cadena Ser suggest that the Belgian international has already told Real Madrid officials of his intention to move to the Santiago Bernabeu and will put pen to paper on a pre-contract deal in the near future.

Real Madrid currently have Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas in the squad but with their futures at the Santiago Bernabeu uncertain the club have been searching for a long term replacement for some time.

Reports in Spain claim that Courtois, 21 is the man the club want to be the long term replacement for Casillas, who is already 32 year-old.

Atletico Madrid are also keen on securing Courtois' services on a permanent basis. Cadena Ser reports that they recently launched a second lucrative offer to convince Chelsea to part with the shot stopper, having already seen one offer turned away.

Chelsea signed Courtois for £5m in 2011 and he is yet to make an appearance for the Blues having being sent on loan to La Liga for the last three seasons.

Meanwhile, Courtois recently claimed that he didn't know anything about Real Madrid's interest in signing him.

"I have never heard anything about that. I'm focused on Atletico and I belong to Chelsea. If any European club want to sign me they have to speak with Chelsea and they will decide what to do," he said.

But asked if he would accept an offer to play for Atletico's big rivals he said: "I do not know. Those are just rumours."

"I have contract with Atletico until June and then two more years with Chelsea. If any offer comes, Chelsea should decide. If Chelsea want to let me go... But that's not the case. Now there are only two teams to me: Atletico and Chelsea. Atletico want me to stay and Chelsea want (me) to go back."