Chelsea make Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland No1 target to replace AWOL Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is forcing a move to Real Madrid following talks with Maurizio Sarri, leaving Blues with little time to find a replacement
CHELSEA will reportedly move for Stoke star Jack Butland if Thibaut Courtois joins Real Madrid this week.
claims Maurizio Sarri has lost the fight to keep Courtois at Stamford Bridge after issuing a warning to the player after Sunday’s Community Shield final to Manchester City.
Courtois was apparently AWOL from training at Cobham today, and it appears he will be granted his wish to move to the Spanish capital before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
It means Chelsea are in the market for a replacement with just days remaining ahead of their Premier League opener away to Huddersfield on Saturday.
And England’s World Cup No 2 Butland is said to be at the top of their list, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford deemed too pricey.
Butland could be available for £25million after Stoke’s relegation to the Championship, £10m less than Chelsea expect to receive for Courtois’ move to Real.
Also on the Blues’ shortlist is Sevilla’s Sergio Rico, who has made 169 appearances for his club over the last four seasons.
But Butland is expected to be the easiest to secure as Sarri scrambles to have his squad ready ahead of a friendly against Lyon on Wednesday.
The French side travel to Stamford Bridge without ex-Liverpool target Nabil Fekir in their squad.
And stunning reports from France claim Chelsea are in last-minute talks to complete a shock move for the versatile striker.
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