Chelsea stalling over Thibaut Courtois sale?

Chelsea are reportedly holding up Thibaut Courtois' move to Real Madrid as they are yet to find a suitable replacement for the Belgium international.

Courtois has just 12 months left on his existing deal with the Blues and this has seen him tipped to join Los Blancos, who are prepared to pay around £32m for his signature.

Despite this, the Blues are stalling over the move and they are unlikely to sanction the deal unless they find a replacement before the transfer deadline, Sky Sports News reports.

Sunderland's Jordan Pickford and Stoke City's Jack Butland have both been linked with the number one at Stamford Bridge but so far, the Blues are yet to make an approach for either player.

Courtois has been with the Blues since the summer of 2011 and he had to wait until the 2014/15 season to make his debut. Since then, he has played a key part in helping them win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup.