Paper Round: Real Madrid hope to stall Thibaut Courtois contract

Real Madrid are hoping to come between Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and a new contract with the Blues, according to a report by The Mirror. Courtois is currently in negotiations with his club that could see him become the Premier League's highest-paid keeper. However, according to the report, the Liga giants aren’t quite yet ready to put their money where their mouths are, having not yet decided who their primary target is between the Belgium international and Manchester United’s David de Gea

Paper Round’s view: Let’s hope de Gea isn’t too disappointed, eh? Courtois has been linked to Real several times, along with team-mate Eden Hazard, though de Gea does seem the more likely candidate. If rumours about the likely departure of Antonio Conte this summer are true, the club will be doubt be keen to keep hold of top-talent to steady the waters.

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And speaking of Conte’s rumoured departure, The Express reports on Thursday that the Chelsea manager has issued an “exit warning” to his club’s board. According to the paper, in a “showdown”, the former Italy manager told the board they must settle their differences or he will take up one of any number of other offers. The report suggests that former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is top of a list of possible replacements drawn up by the club.

Paper Round’s view: Managers at Chelsea seldom stick around too long. Chelsea have fared badly in transfers over the last season and Conte has seemed increasingly frustrated by this, occasionally speaking publicly about their lack of signings – never a good look as far as owners are concerned. It could well be the case that the board are as frustrated with Conte as he is with them.

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Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire is said to be ready to snub a £50m move by Manchester City to bring him to the Etihad this summer. According to The Sun, the 24-year-old sees his current club as being “on the up” and is happy to stay put, despite the club’s interest. The report quotes Maguire as saying: “I know the club is on an upward curve and hopefully, I will be part of that future.”

Paper Round’s view: We’re not sure we believe Leicester are on the up like Manchester City are on the up, but currently sitting in eighth place in the league, it’s not been a bad campaign by any stretch of the imagination. How much of a look-in Maguire would actually get at City might give him pause for thought.

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Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is in danger of being axed from the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, according to a report by The Times. The 32-year-old has been a regular fixture on the England team and has even captained the team, but could now face an uphill struggle for selection after a run of poor performances.

Paper Round’s view: You almost start to wonder if there will be anyone left if Cahill follows the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. There isn’t exactly a wealth of choice. That said, defensively England have looked weak in recent years and perhaps a shake-up is exactly what’s needed. Plus, after being dropped from Chelsea’s Champion’s League squad on Tuesday, perhaps Southgate isn’t the only one losing faith in Cahill’s abilities.