Thibaut Courtois has said he is open to signing a new contract with Chelsea despite the fact that he is not able to visit his children regularly.

The Belgian shot-stopper has 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and has been linked with a return back to Spain, where his ex-partner lives with their two children.

The former Atletico Madrid player has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are reported to be in the market for a new goalkeeper.

The previous round of talks over extending Courtois's contract at Chelsea failed in May, but the 25-year-old said he could see himself signing a new deal before the end of the season.

"If I sign a new contract, I will want to say to Chelsea: 'Look, I am happy here. I like playing for the club, I like London. My private situation is always gnawing a little bit, but for the rest, I'm feeling very good at Chelsea'," Courtois was quoted as saying by Goal.

"I don't see any reason why I won't sign a new deal. I just want to consider all options. Everything has to be right.

"It's not the right moment to make hasty decisions. Not for Chelsea, not for me. Within a couple of months, we will sit around the table again and talk openly. There's no pressure.

Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has 18 months left to run on his Chelsea contract Getty

"The club knows that too. Basically, I want an agreement before the end of the season."

Last month, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte urged the club to hand a new contract to Courtois, describing the Belgian as "maybe the best goalkeeper in the world".

The Blues suffered a serious setback in their quest for the Premier League title after they fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at West Ham on 9 December.

Chelsea are 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand.