Chelsea Goalie Thibaut Courtois Likely Replacement Revealed(Photo)

Chelsea are reportedly lining up Stoke City’s Jack Butland to replace current number one Thibaut Courtois.

The Blues had opened contract negotiations with Courtiois, whose deal is set to run out in 2019, but apparently the talks have hit a standstill.

The Belgian shot stopper has attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

So Chelsea have apparently put contingency pansin place to ensure they have a safe set of hands between the sticks.

The hierarchy at Stamford Bridge have drawn up a shortlist of possible replacements and Stoke’s Butland tops the list.

Chelsea are unsure if Courtois will walk away at the end of his current deal.

And if he does they want to bring the English keeper to west London, according to theDaily Mail.

However, it is suggested that Butland would command a fee well in excess of the current British record for a shot stopper.

Jordan Pickford currently holds that record at £30million after swapping Sunderland for Everton in the summer.

Butland is expected to make the cut for Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Russia next year.

Courtois is out of contract in 18 months.

And it is thought he will challenge Joe Hart for the number one jersey.

Chelsea tried to lure the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge in 2013 while he was at Birmingham City but he opted for a move to the midlands so he could play regular football.

Courtois signed for the Blues from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £5million.

He has since gone on to make over 100 appearances.