Chelsea have met with the agent of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for talks over a new contract.
Courtois, who joined from Genk for £7million in 2011, is on loan for a third successive season at Atletico Madrid but the next stage of his career is uncertain.
The Belgium international rejected a new deal from Chelsea last summer due to concerns over his standing at the club and will only have two years left on his deal at the end of this season.
Petr Cech has been Chelsea’s No1 keeper since 2004 and Courtois has already admitted he will only come back to the club next season if there is genuine competition between them.
Chelsea are considering whether to loan him to another Premier League club but Atletico would like to sign him on a permanent basis, while rivals Real Madrid are also targeting him as a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez.
Reports in Spain yesterday claimed that the 21-year-old has decided to leave Chelsea as a free agent in 2016 and has already agreed personal terms with Real.
Chelsea's summer transfer targets
Courtois dismissed the speculation, saying: “It is all fake. I have no agreement with other clubs. The world knows that I have a contract with Chelsea and Atletico and I am very happy.”
His father, Thierry, added: “It’s an attempt to destabilise Atletico,” who trail Real by three points in the La Liga title race. “Thibaut is now focused on the season with Atletico and the Champions League.”
While one meeting with senior Chelsea officials has taken place, more talks are planned for later this month.
Chelsea, who value Courtois in excess of £20m, are keen to keep one of their prize assets.
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