Huge lift for Chelsea as Real Madrid prepare to sign up keeper

Real Madrid are reportedly set to offer a new deal to Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The news coming from South American paper La Nacion will be a huge lift for new Chelsea boss Sarri, who looked like he might lose Thibaut Courtois to the Champions League winners.

The report claims sources close to Navas have told them that contract talks with Real got underway before the World Cup.

New Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui is believed to have identified 31-year-old Navas as a cornerstone of his squad shortly before he was appointed last month.

Navas, who is tied to Madrid through the 2019-20 season, wants assurances that he will remain with the club at least until he turns 34.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been continually linked with Real Madrid with his contract at Chelsea set to expire next summer.

The Belgium keeper’s children still reside in Madrid and Courtois has not made a secret of the fact that he would welcome a return to Madrid after arriving at Chelsea from Atletico.

New Blues coach Sarri said he was hoping to keep his star men at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after his first Chelsea game ended in a 1-0 friendly win over Perth Glory, the Italian coach told Sky Sports News: “It’s a pleasure to have Courtois, to have Willian, to have Hazard, but it (their futures) doesn’t depend on me, not only on me.

“So, we have to wait. I’m confident.”

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