Report: Chelsea opens contract talks with Courtois amid Real Madrid interest

Thibaut Courtois could be on the verge of committing his long-term future to Chelsea as the two sides open contract talks to extend the net-minder's stay amid reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

A day after manager Antonio Conte insisted that the Belgian international remains a major part of the club's plans well beyond the current season, Dominic Fifield of the Guardian reports that the two sides are engaged in talks over a new contract that could see him earn £150,000 a week.

The report adds that contract negotiations were triggered by ongoing reports suggesting Real Madrid is lining up a bid to lure the 24-year-old away from Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea is optimistic a new contract will discourage Madrid's advances.

On Friday, Conte was adamant about Courtois' importance to the club, insisting the 'keeper is happy at Chelsea.

"Look, Thibaut is a Chelsea player and I want him to stay here," Conte told reporters ahead of Chelsea's finals match of the year against Stoke City. “And I think he’s very happy to stay here. I see him with this club for many years. I want this, the club wants this. I don’t see any problem.

Related - Chelsea's Conte: Courtois 'stays with us'

The first indication of Real Madrid's interest occurred last year after Courtois suffered a serious knee injury. The Spanish side boldly faxed a letter of support addressed to Courtois to the team's training ground at Cobham.

Courtois previously spent two seasons in the Spanish capital when Chelsea loaned him to Atletico Madrid. Although he has previously stated his desire to return in the future, he has not revealed any intentions to join Real.

Chelsea and the Premier League's leader in clean sheets will attempt to win a 13th consecutive league match at home against Stoke.