Chelsea star wants long-term Conte stay

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists that his side should tie down Antonio Conte to a long-term contract in order to fend off interest from potential suitors.

The Italian head coach has transformed the Blues into genuine title favourites this campaign following a lacklustre season which saw them finish a lowly 10th in the league standings.

While the Blues are still 10 points of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, there has been talk of Conte switching clubs in the summer with Inter Milan prepared to offer him a £13m-a-year alongside a £200m kitty to boost.

However, Courtois feels that the Blues will extend his contract beyond 2019 with the Blues likely to face a testing campaign on their return to Europe next season.

"He's important for the club and I think the club knows that, so they will do whatever to have a happy ending," Courtois told The Mail.

"Maybe the league will be tougher next season. It depends on other teams but I think next season we can have a big say in the Premier League and the Champions League."

Conte has had an excellent spell during his maiden campaign in the Premier League, but he will seek to add further success to his cabinet with the prospect of winning a domestic double - the Premier League and the FA Cup.