CHELSEA face a huge battle over Thibaut Courtois’ future — and want Joe Hart as his replacement.
Courtois, 25, has one season left on his current deal and there are fears he will see out his contract or get snapped up by Real Madrid.
And England keeper Hart is in the frame to step in after his loan to West Ham ends.
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The Premier League champions are willing to make Courtois the best keeper in the world with a deal worth £200,000-a-week including add-ons.
But fresh terms have not been thrashed out and that has left the door open for Real to make a massive bid in the summer.
The Spanish giants will pile the pressure on Chelsea with an offer, as they know the Belgian’s value will drop next season.
Real looked set to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga but he ended up signing a lengthy contract to stay at Athletic Bilbao, meaning the search for a long-term No1 continues.
Courtois has previously played for Atletico Madrid on loan and is thought to be open to a return to the Spanish capital.
His departure would leave a massive hole for Chelsea to fill but Hart, 30, is a keeper that has interested them.
He has been out of favour under Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and spent last season in Italy with Torino before heading to West Ham last summer on loan.
Hart lost his place to Adrian under David Moyes but is still expected to trigger interest when his loan ends in the summer.
He has a year left on his contract but City will not stand in his way if he wants to leave the Etihad.