Chelsea transfer news: Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui tight-lipped on Thibaut Courtois move

Courtois is yet to return to the London club in an apparent attempt to force a move back to the Spanish capital

Julen Lopetegui refused to comment on suggestions Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set for an imminent move to Real Madrid.

Courtois is yet to return to the London club this week following the World Cup in an apparent attempt to force a move back to the Spanish capital, having played for Real's city rivals Atletico from 2011-14.

But Lopetegui was tight-lipped on the saga as he addressed his goalkeeping situation after a 2-1 friendly win over Roma in New Jersey, insisting that Keylor Navas remains his number one.

The former Spain coach said: "I always say that I'm not talking about players who are not at Real Madrid.

"Keylor is our goalkeeper and there are no other goalkeepers I can talk about except Keylor, Kiko (Casilla), (Andriy) Lunin and Luca (Zidane).

"Keylor is phenomenal, he has our full confidence and is an extraordinary goalkeeper. He's delighted to belong to Real Madrid and we're delighted with him."

Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been the subject of a move in the opposite direction.

Lopetegui added: "It's true that Mateo has expressed his desire to leave. I've expressed my desire for him to stay. If he leaves, we'll see how we organise things.

Courtois has yet to return to Chelsea this summer (AFP/Getty Images)

"The solution that we'd look for at the right time would be a player at Kovacic's level, someone who is a top-level footballer.

"To compete all the objectives we've got, we need a balanced squad.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that the release clause in Kepa Arrizabalaga's contract has been triggered as Chelsea close in on a deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge.