Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Real Madrid transfer news: Florentino Perez makes decision on Courtois, Hazard and Willian
REAL MADRID are only interested in signing Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea this summer, according to new reports from Spain.
The European champions have been linked with moves for Courtois and Eden Hazard while Willian emerged as a target over the weekend.
But Spanish publication Marca claim Real Madrid only want Courtois from Stamford Bridge this summer, and are still waiting on Chelsea to find a replacement before pressing ahead with a move.
Florentino Perez and new manager Julen Lopetegui have identified Courtois to replace Keylor Navas.
Madrid have won three Champions League titles in a row with Navas between the sticks but want an upgrade.
And with David de Gea out of reach Madrid have made Courtois their top target.
He has just one year on his Chelsea contract and would like to move back to Spain to be closer to his children after three years on loan with Atletico Madrid.
But Marca claim Madrid have no interest in Willian and do not want to pay the money Hazard would cost at the moment.
Madrid are under less immediate pressure to get their squad complete for the new season with the transfer window in Spain going until September, while the English window closes on August 9.
Madrid could still move for Hazard this summer as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo but will wait to see how they get on in pre-season and the beginning of the season before committing to the sums it would cost.
Chelsea are believed to value Hazard at around £200m and are under no pressure to sell.
Hazard is better fitted at Real Madrid than Morata say pundits
Hazard did hint at a departure this summer following the World Cup third place playoff but has not submitted a transfer request or returned from holiday yet.
Willian meanwhile is wanted by Manchester United and was on Barcelona’s radar, although they signed Malcom last week.
Chelsea have so far signed Jorginho and Rob Green after Sarri was appointed earlier this month.
They are keen to move quickly on a number of deals before the window closes and need a replacement for Courtois with Jordan Pickford now the top target.
A Willian replacement would be needed if he left for United but Hazard would be the toughest to replace if he did leave.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to training at Cobham today as Chelsea prepare to face Arsenal in Dublin on Wednesday and will hold talks with Sarri over his future.
The midfielder was sent to Crystal Palace on loan last season but impressed at the World Cup and will hope for first team chances at Chelsea.