Thibaut Courtois was the first choice for Real Madrid ahead of David de Gea but were warned off by Chelsea FC demanding A?73a million.
The asking price set by Chelsea FC for Thibaut Courtois would have equalled the world record a 100a million Real Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur for Gareth Bale in 2013, but Chelseaa s valuation succeeded in scaring off the Spanish club according to reports in the Telegraph.
Real Madrid then turned their attention to Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and are now preparing to formalize attempts to sign him next week.
Real Madrid wanted the Belgian ahead of De Gea and were prepared to pay almost A?37a million for the Chelsea FC stopper, which would have made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of the game.
However, when they inquired about Courtois, Chelsea FC told Real Madrid they would have to double that fee to stand any chance of signing the player.
Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea FC manager, has claimed that his priority is to retain his current players whilst confirming that he plans to bring three new addition to increase competition within his squad.
The outspoken Portuguese warned Real Madrid would have to pay A?100a million for each leg of Eden Hazard and his valuation of Courtois was similarly designed to make it clear that the 23a year-old was not for sale.
Having been asked to pay or move back by Chelsea FC for Courtois, Real Madrid could use striker Karim Benzema . , a player whom Manchester United are interested in signing, as leverage to complete a deal for David De Gea.
