Thibaut Courtois goes AWOL

LONDON. - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not report for training for the second day in a row yesterday, casting further doubt over his future after being linked with a move to Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid.

Courtois was due for talks with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri on Monday.

Sarri said after the Community Shield defeat by Manchester City on Sunday he wanted to see Courtois face to face after his agent said last week he wanted to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid.

Speaking on Sunday, Sarri said: “I want only players with a high level of motivation. I don’t have an answer for the agent.” Courtois has regularly addressed his desire to return to Madrid, where he previously played for Atletico and where his two children live with his former partner.

Chelsea’s other World Cup stars Eden Hazard, also linked with Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud, Gary Cahill and Michy Batshuayi did return to the Cobham training ground on Monday as scheduled.

Sky Sports News understands Chelsea have made Jack Butland their top target to replace Courtois if he leaves before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

Courtois joined Chelsea from Belgian side Genk in 2011 and spent the next three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid before dislodging Petr Cech as first choice at Stamford Bridge.

He has repeatedly stated his desire to move closer to his two children in the Spanish capital, and with just a year remaining on his contract Chelsea risk losing him for a reduced fee in January or for free next summer. - AFP.