Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte willing to let Thibaut Courtois leave for Real Madrid in exchange for Alvaro Morata and replace Belgian with Joe Hart
- Belgian stopper a priority at Bernabeu
- Conte oversaw Morata's move to Juventus
- Morata's arrival not necessarily the end for Diego Costa
- Costa to stay if he respects Conte's authority
ANTONIO CONTE would sanction the sale of Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid — if it meant landing his ultimate transfer target, Alvaro Morata.
One of the Chelsea boss’ final acts at Juventus was to bring the Spaniard to Turin in 2014, before taking over as manager of Italy.
Conte sees Morata as his ideal striker in terms of his style, technical ability and personality.
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Real Madrid, meanwhile, have made Courtois their top priority this season.
Taking account his age, ability and the fact he knows La Liga, they will be willing to break the bank this summer to secure his services.
Morata has struggled since returning to the Bernabeu in the summer — and has even been outscored by centre-back, Sergio Ramos.
So the La Liga leaders would be willing to let him go in exchange for Courtois.
The former Atletico stopper, on the other hand, has been immense for the Blues, but has made no secret of his desire to return to the Spanish capital.
And Conte accepts he may be powerless to keep Courtois.
Chelsea stars have urged the Italian to bring in Joe Hart in the summer should the Belgian depart.
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The on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper has improved during his spell with Torino, and Conte is keen to add more English players to his squad.
Hart is believed to have been given information about life under the Italian by some of his former Juventus players.
Morata’s arrival would allow Diego Costa to move to China, if he so wishes — though that wouldn’t be set in stone.
Conte is happy for Chelsea's No.19 to stay beyond the summer, and even sign a new contract.
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But only as long as he respects the Italian’s authority.
The former Juventus manager demands complete control in the dressing room, and will not tolerate any player who causes problems — regardless of their ability.
It would, therefore, be Costa's decision as to whether he is keen to follow through with the proposed offer from the Chinese Super League.