Courtois' agent admits Real Madrid meetings

Reports of a return to the Spanish capital for Chelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois are certain to gain steam after the player's agent admitted contact with directors from La Liga holder Real Madrid.

Los Blancos appear keen to upgrade on Keylor Navas, and Courtois' name is routinely mentioned alongside that of David de Gea and Gianluigi Donnarumma as the most likely to next man the net at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Obviously, the biggest clubs are interested in Thibaut, and that includes the reigning European champions," Courtois' agent Christophe Henrotay told Belgium's Sport magazine, courtesy of ESPN FC.

"He is a goalkeeper who wins you games, wins you trophies."

While agents are no strangers to posturing for their client's benefit during silly season, Henrotay's admissions are strangely specific.

"I meet regularly with Real Madrid's directors and Thibaut's situation is evaluated. My role is to keep him informed of the situation," Henrotay added.

After spending three seasons on loan at Real rival Atletico Madrid and with his ex-girlfriend and daughter living in the city, a return to the Spanish capital makes plenty of sense for the Genk academy product, and in December 2016, Marca reported that Courtois told family and friends of plans for a summer transfer.

Courtois is on Chelsea's books through 2019, and Blues boss Antonio Conte has previously shrugged off interest in his No. 1 'keeper, saying, "He stays with us and this is the most important thing. The other things are only speculation."