Thibaut Courtois’ failure to report to Chelsea training has heaped pressure on new manager Maurizio Sarri to find a new goalkeeper just two days before the Premier League transfer window closes.
The 26-year-old Belgium international, linked with a move to Real Madrid, was granted an extended rest after his country finished third at the World Cup, but did not turn up for training on Monday.
The Sun newspaper reported on Tuesday that he would miss training for a second day as the impasse continued.
Courtois joined Chelsea from Belgian side Genk in 2011 and spent the next three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid before dislodging Petr Cech as first choice at Stamford Bridge.
He has repeatedly stated his desire to move closer to his two children in the Spanish capital, and with just a year remaining on his contract, Chelsea risk losing him for a reduced fee in January or for free next summer.
Second-choice ‘keeper Willy Caballero played in goal on Sunday as Chelsea lost 2-0 to champions Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Times said Chelsea had indicated they would accept his request for a transfer after a £35 million offer ($45 million) from Real if they could secure a replacement in time.
The Premier League’s transfer window shuts at 1600 GMT on Thursday, heaping pressure on Sarri.
The Times said Chelsea had turned their attention to Stoke City’s Jack Butland after Everton made it clear England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was not for sale.
Eden Hazard, whose deal expires in 2020, has also long been the subject of speculation over a move to Real, but the forward was present at the club’s Cobham training base on Monday.
Thibaut Courtois’ representative has urged Chelsea to allow the goalkeeper to join Real Madrid.
The Belgium international shot-stopper holds a desire to move back to Spain, where he spent two years on loan at Atletico Madrid, in order to be closer to his family.
Los Blancos have been keen to make a move, but thus far the Blues have refused to budge on their £40 million (€45m/$52m) valuation of the player.
While no deal is in place, manager Maurizio Sarri did not appear confident on Friday that the Stamford Bridge will be able to retain their No.1, while former Belgium coach Graeme Jones says that a move is “definitely” on the cards.
“I have been reading everywhere that Chelsea are saying it is up to Thibaut, but he has made it clear to the club that the best option for him is to move to Madrid,” Christophe Henrotay said, according to The Sun.
“For him this is a big decision because he wants to be near his family, and there is an offer in place for Chelsea to accept.”
Some supporters have criticised the 26-year-old as they feel that his desire to move to the Bernabeu is being financially driven, but Henrotay has dismissed those claims out of hand.
“We have seen suggestions that it is about money, and it is true he could get an increase with a move.
“But he has turned down a better offer elsewhere because this is more than a financial decision.
“Throughout this it has important for everyone to be reasonable, and the buying club has come up with a reasonable offer for a player who has one year left on his contract when they know they could sign him without a fee in 12 months.
“Chelsea could get a fair fee for him now and sign a replacement. Or they would still have to sign a replacement next summer, but without getting a fee for Thibaut.
“It is understandable people might be upset because he wants to leave the club, we accept that.