Courtois coy on his future as Madrid clubs circle

THIBAUT COURTOIS is ready to shelve talks over a new contract as the uncertainty over his Chelsea future intensified yesterday. The Belgium No 1’s deal expires at the end of next season, and he rejected the offer of a new one in the summer. Courtois wants to double his Chelsea wages to £200,000 per week. The keeper has been linked with a move to Madrid — with Real or former club Atletico — and rumours have intensified after Courtois’ ex-girlfriend returned to Spain with his two children. Speaking before tonight’s

Champions League clash in Baku against Qarabag, Courtois said: ‘Regarding my contract, Chelsea must deal with my agent. I don’t think there have been any new developments. I prefer to focus on the games, and there will be time enough towards the end of the season to have talks.’ Chelsea will travel 2,500 miles back to London tonight, arriving at 5am tomorrow. That leaves Conte only one full day to prepare for Saturday’s vital 5.30pm clash at Liverpool.