Report: Real Madrid ‘would prefer Thibaut Courtois to David De Gea’

The Telegraph claim that Real identified the Belgian stopper as their first-choice target this summer, only to be put off by Chelsea’s staggering £73 million valuation.

Real were reportedly prepared to pay close to £37m for Courtois, but balked when Chelsea insisted they stump up a figure that would equal the €100 million they paid for Gareth Bale in 2013.

It is not the first time Jose Mourinho has slapped hefty price tags on his star players.

In April, the Portuguese manager proclaimed Real would have to pay £200m for Eden Hazard - £100m for each of his legs – plus Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale.

The report continues that Real will now step up their interest in De Gea, who should prove a less costly addition given he has just one year left to run on his current deal at Manchester United. Courtois, by comparison, penned a five-year contract in September.

It is believed Los Blancos will begin their bid to sign the Spaniard following the conclusion of the international fixtures.

Karim Benzema has been touted as a potential makeweight in the deal as United seek to bolster their frontline following the departure of Radamel Falcao.

You’re not going to be too upset if you can’t sign Courtois, when De Gea is your back-up option. Both goalkeepers are young, have experience playing for Real’s neighbours Atletico and clearly talented.

The former is the more imposing presence, but it was the Spaniard who enjoyed the more impressive season – albeit, in part, thanks to United’s leaky defence giving him the opportunity to create an impressive showreel.

So why spend £73m when you can get a similar option for a fraction of the price?