Chelsea are in a dilemma about the future of Thibaut Courtois, as they fear they could end up with egg on their face if he leaves.
The goalkeeper is one of the players facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Courtois held talks with incoming manager Antonio Conte last week, but his future at the club remains unclear.
Chelsea are willing to offload one of their top stars this summer to help supplement Conte’s transfer budget, with Courtois one who could be sacrificed.
But there is apprehension at Stamford Bridge over the prospect of the Belgium international leaving this summer.
Chelsea have been proved wrong in letting fellow Belgians Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne leave in recent seasons – both proving themselves as top Premier League performers.
And Blues chiefs fear letting Courtois leave this summer could backfire again. The shot-stopper, 23, is viewed as one of Europe’s best young goalkeepers, despite an indifferent season.
Chelsea want to avoid further question marks being levelled at their transfer policy. An offer upwards of £50million, however, would leave the current Barclays Premier League champions with a tough decision to make.
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is unlikely to agitate for a move away this summer, but would find it difficult to resist a return to Spain.
Courtois’ future took an unexpected twist last week after he was dropped for last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Swansea, as was reported by the Daily Mail.
The Belgian, though, is hopeful of regaining his place in the starting XI for the clash against Manchester City on Saturday.
