Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has shrugged off reports that Real Madrid are planning an offer for Thibaut Courtois.
Blues goalkeeper Courtois, who was previously on loan at Atletico Madrid, has long been linked with a return to Spain.
The Sun newspaper has claimed that Real are lining up an “irresistible” offer for the Belgian at the end of the season.
Asked if he could clarify Courtois’ future, Conte said: “I think it is not important to clarify the situation, but Thibaut is for me one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers in the world.
“He works very well and is a fantastic keeper. He stays with us. The other situation is only speculation.”
Conte has Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante back from suspension for the New Year’s Eve game against Stoke at Stamford Bridge.
A win would be the Blues’ 13th league victory in a row and would equal Arsenal’s Premier League record, set in the 2000-2001 season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted that leaders Chelsea can be caught despite being “super-favourites” for the title.
This post was last modified on 31/12/2016