'Shouldn't I play in Spain?' - Courtois drops strong Real Madrid hint

Thibaut Courtois has dealt a blow to Chelsea over their prospects of tying the goalkeeper down to a contract extension, admitting that his heart lies in Spain.

The Belgium international goalkeeper remains secured to the Blues until 2019 but is yet to agree to fresh terms at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation regarding his future has been sparked as a result, with Courtois doing little to curb the rumours with updates on discussions and an admission that he intends to return to Spain at some stage.

The 25-year-old previously spent three years on loan at Atletico Madrid, with his children now being raised in the Spanish capital, and admits that being apart from his family is testing - though he did not close the door on a future with the Blues.

Courtois told Belgian television show Stadion on VTM: "It [private situation] is not always easy, but I'd also seen this coming. I knew that she [former girlfriend] would return to Madrid, so that has its influence too. I love my children to death.

"When you miss them, you are sometimes wondering: 'Shouldn't I play in Spain in the next few years?' That's why I want to take my time to make a decision on that contract extension.

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"In the media they're always talking about money. I'm not denying that it plays a role, but everything has to be in its right place.

"If I sign a new contract, I will want to say to Chelsea: 'Look, I am happy here. I like playing for the club, I like London. My private situation is always gnawing a little bit, but for the rest I'm feeling very good at Chelsea.'

"I don't see any reason why I won't sign a new deal. I just want to consider all options. Everything has to be right.

"It's not the right moment to make hasty decisions. Not for Chelsea, not for me. Within a couple of months we will sit around the table again and talk openly. There's no pressure.. The clubs knows that too. Basically I want an agreement before the end of the season." 

Antonio Conte will be pleased to hear that Courtois wants to bring an end to future talks before the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

The Italian has called on his board to get the relevant paperwork signed, with Chelsea reluctant to see a key performer with many years at the top ahead of him link up with a European rival.

They may, however, have to work a little harder to convince Courtois that Stamford Bridge remains the right place for him after seeing a 1-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham in their latest outing leave them a long way adrift in the defence of their Premier League title.