Transfer Talk: Real switch GK target to Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is now reportedly on Real's radar

After being linked with David de Gea is roughly 3,987,364 inches of column space, now Real Madrid want Chelsea's giant Belgian instead. Apparently...

Real Madrid have reportedly switched targets in their hunt for a new goalkeeper with Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois now their No.1 choice.

The Champions League holders have been on the trail of Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea this year, with the Spanish international having just under 18 months left to run on his current deal.

However, the 24-year-old has opened contract talks with the Red Devils and his agent Jorge Mendes says he expects De Gea to stay at Old Trafford.

Real have quickly switched their sights to another former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, with the Daily Star claiming they want to sign Courtois.

The Belgium international spent three seasons on loan with Atleti before returning to become first choice at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues would be unlikely to let him go unless they receive a massive offer.

Sticking with the Premier League leaders and The Times claims Chelsea had scouts in attendance at Inter Milan's game with Palermo on Sunday night to watch Mauro Icardi.

The 20-year-old is said to be in Jose Mourinho's plans to replace Didier Drogba when the Ivorian calls it quits at the end of the season.

The Blues' representatives will have been impressed with what they saw of Icardi after he scored twice in a 2-0 win for Inter.

Away from west London, Manchester United and Manchester City could go head-to-head this summer in the race to sign Barcelona right-back Dani Alves.

The Daily Mirror claims both clubs are weighing up whether to go in for the Brazilian, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal with Barca.

Should either City or United want him then they will reportedly have to offer him a contract worth 100,000-per-week.

On to Southampton next and the Daily Mirror claims Saints boss Ronald Koeman is keeping a close eye on Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The France international is refusing to sign a new deal with the Ligue 1 side and is attracting plenty of attention from clubs in the Premier League having scored 14 goals so far this season.

Everton and West Ham have previously been linked with the 29-year-old, with Southampton now throwing their hat into the ring.

Finally, and the Mirror claim Brentford boss Mark Warburton and Republic of Ireland head coach Martin O'Neill are on a list of potential candidates to replace Nigel Pearson as Leicester manager.

Reports on Sunday night indicated the Foxes had parted company with Pearson before the club released a statement insisting he will remain in charge for Tuesday's game at Arsenal.

Should the former Hull boss eventually leave the Premier League's bottom club then O'Neill could be in line for a sensational return to Leicester.