Chelsea could replace Thibaut Courtois with Diego Lopez

Premier League leaders Chelsea have identified Diego Lopez as a potential replacement for Thibaut Courtois at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper is currently on a season-long loan at Espanyol from AC Milan after he fell behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order at the San Siro.

Spanish source AS suggests that the Blues could move for the veteran keeper in the summer, should Courtois decide to join Real Madrid.

The Belgian international has a contract until 2019, and it is widely expected that he could seal a return to the Spanish capital, where he had successive loan spells with Atletico - between 2011 and 2014. 

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is the other being linked with the number one role as Conte prepares for the worst in the summer.

Chelsea host Liverpool in their next league encounter on January 31.