Chelsea Transfer News: Thibaut Courtois Denies Real Madrid Talk, Latest Rumours

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted he is happy at Chelsea and denied having any contact with Real Madrid regarding a possible move. 

He told Cadena Cope (h/t ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia):

"

I never had anything with Real Madrid. I did not see anything published, but I never had any contact with Real Madrid.

I am happy at Chelsea. Everything is going very well -- it is a great club. There is no reason not to be happy at Chelsea. You never know what will happen in the future, but at the moment I am very well, in a very good atmosphere.

"

Alberto Rambla of Don Balon (h/t Garcia) reported Real were interested in the 24-year-old.

The Belgian added there was nothing to speculation regarding an Atletico Madrid return either: "There was never any talk about a possible return to Atletico. [Jan] Oblak is doing very well, and I am happy about that. These are rumours that come out from people who do not know anything."

After a difficult start to the season, Courtois has enjoyed a return to form in recent weeks, as demonstrated by football journalist Kristof Terreur:

Like the rest of the Blues defence, the 'keeper has benefited from Chelsea's switch to a 3-4-3 formation, and he's still yet to concede since the change:

Chelsea now find themselves one point off the lead and despite the deficiencies in their squad have firmly placed themselves back in the frame for the title.

There's a long way to go, and Courtois hasn't faced a particularly stern test since the change in formation, but if he can get back to his best he can play a key role in providing manager Antonio Conte with success at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, according to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, Conte is planning to move Cesc Fabregas on in January and is targeting Inter Milan's Geoffrey Kondogbia or Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi as his replacement.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

The former would seem more attainable—he has struggled since arriving at Inter in 2015 and has made just five appearances this season, completing 90 minutes twice.

He has shown himself in the past to be a promising player, though—a potent blend of power and ball-winner with the ability to pick a pass or rifle home a long-range effort, and at 23 there's plenty of time for him to revitalise his career.

The latter has lots of Premier League experience after six years with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, and he has really shone since joining Sevilla.

According to Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, his efforts have even warranted Barcelona's attentions:

A good reader of the game, he too is a strong presence in front of the back four and in the air, as well as being good on the ball. As Squawka Football revealed, he is among the top passers in Europe this season:

Given how well the Spanish side are shaping up under Jorge Sampaoli, N'Zonzi might be more reluctant to move, whereas Kondogbia is said to be unhappy and hoping to leave.

His form at Inter would make him something of a gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely if he kick-starts his career.