Real Madrid finally end search for new 'keeper with Courtois signing

Thanks for everything, Keylor Navas.

Real Madrid, who've not been shy in their search for the Costa Rican's replacement in recent years, finally found one, confirming the signing of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea on Wednesday.

The deal is subject to a medical, which will take place Thursday. As part of the transfer, Mateo Kovacic will join the Blues on a season-long loan.

"After the medical that will take place tomorrow, Thursday 9 August, the player will be presented at 1pm in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium," Madrid said in a statement.

The Belgian, who reportedly cost Los Blancos £35 million, all but forced the Blues to sell him after going AWOL earlier in the week.

He was expected to join up with his teammates on Monday, but failed to report as he pushed for a desired switch back to the Spanish capital. Courtois spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid prior to assuming the starting role at Chelsea.

His ex-wife, whom he met during that time, is raising their three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son in Spain, and Courtois' agent admitted last week that being closer to his family was a key factor in the shot-stopper's decision to leave London.

Barring a sale, Navas will now be relegated to a bench role behind the 26-year-old newcomer, despite backstopping Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.