Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois has confirmed he is close to agreeing a new long-term deal with the club, ending speculation that he could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian shot-stopper has been heavily linked with a move away from London over the past 18 months, with both Real Madrid and Manchester United linked with moves for the 25-year-old.

His former club, Atletico Madrid, have also been reported to be keen on bringing the Belgian back to the Wanda Metropolitano, however Courtois has now ended any such speculation with his latest statements.

Courtois told the London Evening Standard: “I’m happy at Chelsea and a deal is close.

“Has it been a distraction? Not for me. I’m just calm and relaxed, because I’m tied to Chelsea. Despite the rumours and everything, I am focused on Chelsea and I’m happy here.

“Do Eden and I encourage each other to sign? Yes. He will say ‘if you sign, I will sign’ and I say the same to him. I think we are both happy at Chelsea, we both have a good part to play.

“We have been champions twice in the four seasons I have been here and can have our peak years together at Chelsea.”

The new deal could see Courtois become one of the club’s and Europe’s highest earners, with the former Genk youngster set to earn in excess of £200,000 per week – more than United’s David De Gea – and will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2020.