Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is keen to sort out his contractual situation at Chelsea prior to this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia. The 26-year-old’s future has come into question over the past few months amid continuous links with Real Madrid, but the shot-stopper remains adamant that he will stay at Stamford Bridge, whether or not, he pens a new deal beyond the 2018/19 season.

Speaking to Sporza, he said: “If I go to the World Cup with a clear idea, sign or wait another year, then I have a clear head at the tournament. I am still proud to play at Chelsea and I want to achieve success. I have one year [left on my] contract and feel good at Chelsea, at the end of the season we will sit down together and set out a vision. I know that I will be at Chelsea next year as well.”

Courtois has previously hinted at the possibility of returning to Madrid at some stage of his career, but this does not appear to have an influence on his Blues career. Despite this, the club are likely to make the final decision on his future as they are unlikely to want to lose him on a free in 15 months’ time, should he turn down the contract offer on the table.

The club have a similar sort of situation with leading playmaker Eden Hazard, though they have the luxury of an additional year on his contract until 2020, which offers them the margin to negotiate slowly, unlike his compatriot. Meanwhile, Chelsea are facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football for the second season in three years, and they are currently five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, whom they face in a potentially must-win game in the top-flight this weekend.