Conte plays down Courtois speculation

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says the Premier League leaders will turn down any bid for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian has repeatedly been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, but Conte says the 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.

Courtois joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011, but spent the next three seasons on loan at Spanish side Atletico Madrid before returning to displace Petr Cech as the Blues' No 1 in 2014.

Courtois, a La Liga winner in 2013-14 and a Premier League winner the following season, has kept 10 clean sheets in his last 12 Premier League matches to help Chelsea open up a six-point lead at the top of the table.

"I think it’s not important to clarify the situation," Conte said on Friday.

"Thibaut, for me, is one of the best, if not the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s working very well, he stays with us, this is the most important thing.

"The other situation is only speculation."

Conte says he has not decided whether Charly Musonda and Kenedy will be allowed out on loan again in January..

Musonda returned from his spell with Real Betis earlier this month, while Kenedy is back at Cobham following a loan period at Watford, where he played only 16 minutes.

"Kennedy and Musonda went back from their loan because they didn’t play a lot," the Italian said.

"For this reason, I think it’s important to stay with us in these weeks to evaluate the best situation for them and for the team.

"In January, it’s not easy, with the club we are talking for us, if there’s a possibility to find the best solution for our squad.

"Also we have a lot of young players in our squad and I trust in them, in Ruben [Loftus-Cheek], in Chalo [Nathaniel Chalobah], in [Kurt] Zouma.

"Musonda, Kenedy, you are talking with a player of 20, 21 years, it’s important to find a right solution at home.

"Then, if it’s not possible, you have to look around to find a new solution."

Photo (Getty Images/ Laurence Griffiths)

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