Chelsea boss Antonio Conte frustrated at failure to sort future of Thibaut Courtois with Real Madrid lurking

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Antonio Conte is frustrated that Chelsea have failed to sort out the future of Thibaut Courtois with the Real Madrid target worryingly stalling on signing a new contract.

Labelling him one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, Conte wants his club's bosses to solve the situation by tying the 25-year-old Belgian down to a new deal.

As it stands, Courtois will enter the last year of his contract this summer – a scenario which will encourage the European champions in Madrid.

Antonio Conte is frustrated that Chelsea have failed to sort out Thibaut Courtois's future

Real are hopeful he will be tempted to return to the Spanish capital, with the £70million-rated shot-stopper having spent three years there while on loan at Atletico.

Asked about Courtois ahead of their Premier League game against Liverpool, Conte pointed the finger at the club. ‘I must be honest, I think this question is for the club, not for me,’ the Italian said.

‘I like to give my opinion about technical decisions but it is important for the club to face this issue, to face this contract with Courtois.

‘I can tell you Courtois is one of the best, maybe the best goalkeeper in the world and he is a player very important for Chelsea. I can tell you this.

The highly rated stopper is in demand and is being tracked by Spanish giants Real Madrid

‘The renewal of the contract is a task for the club. As you know very well, if a big player decides to not sign a new contract, it is difficult for the club to try to face this issue.

‘But at the same time there is space to deal with this type of situation and to try to solve the situation.

‘In this season, (Alexis) Sanchez and (Mesut) Ozil are finishing their contracts with Arsenal. These situations are not simple but every club has to try and solve all these situations.’

Courtois said last week he wanted to focus on this season before opening any talks, though it is risky business for Chelsea with Real circling.

‘I think Thibaut didn't need my opinion,’ the Chelsea boss continued. ‘He knows very well what are my thoughts about him. I consider him one of the best.

As it stands, Courtois will enter the last year of his Blues contract this summer

‘For sure he will be the best in the world, maybe he is now the best. But he knows very well my opinion and my thoughts about him.’

Chelsea landed back in London at 3am on Friday morning following their Champions League win over Qarabag in Baku then trained at lunch time.

Their arrival at Gatwick Airport was problematic as the plane's first attempt to land had to be abandoned due to extreme wind. The pilot's second attempt was successful.