Thibaut Courtois is still planning to hold contract talks with Chelsea and has been left mystified at suggestions that the club have begun the search for his replacement.

The Belgium goalkeeper, who will play against England at the World Cup later this month, has 12 months left on his Blues contract. It has been reported in Italy that negotiations over an extension broke down recently and Chelsea are pursuing Roma’s Alisson, while they have also been linked with Stoke’s England keeper Jack Butland.

No discussions have been held between Courtois and Chelsea since January but it is understood that the original plan to hold talks after the finals in Russia remains in place.

Courtois has made no secret of his desire to one day return to Madrid, where he spent three years on loan at Atletico, because that is where his two children are growing up. But the 26-year-old has also made it clear that he is happy to remain in west London.

European champions Real Madrid have been monitoring Courtois since Jose Mourinho was manager there but have not made an enquiry since Chelsea scared them off with their £73million valuation three years ago.

Courtois’ father, Thierry, had an informal meeting with Paris St Germain officials in February but the French club look set to sign Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer from Juventus.

Courtois, who has won four trophies with Chelsea since establishing himself as first choice four years ago, told Standard Sport in March that his priority was to remain in the capital. “I’m committed to Chelsea,” he said. “I have a contract until next year and I will be here.”

Meanwhile, Everton are hoping to capitalise on the managerial uncertainty at Chelsea to beat them to the signing of Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Chelsea are huge admirers of the 24-year-old, but new Goodison Park manager Marco Silva has urged the Merseysiders to move for the defender before the World Cup and they are expected to make an opening offer of £30m.