Thibaut Courtois has hinted he could be preparing to return to Madrid so he can see his children more often.

The Belgian goalkeeper has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea and confirmed he would make a decision over his future after the World Cup.

Real Madrid have long been monitoring the future of Courtois, who spent three seasons out on loan at their crosstown rivals Atletico, but have an interest in Roma goalkeeper Alisson.

As reported by Standard Sport Chelsea held talks in January to increase Courtois’ salary to £200,000-a-week but the 26-year-old’s latest comments would suggest that his priorities are more familial than financial.

“I have a certain preferred destination,” Courtois said.

“I have some ideas in my mind, but I'm focusing on the World Cup and have pushed all decisions ahead until after the tournament.

“My kids are the most important for me. I haven’t seen them a lot in the last 18 months. Facetime is nice, but seeing them grow up is something different.

“My kids will play an important role in my decision.”

Courtois’ two children – Adriana (two) and Nicolas (one) – live in the Spanish capital with his former partner Marta Dominguez.