Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has hinted at frustration over the lack of progress of new contract talks for Thibaut Courtois.

As it stands, Courtois will enter the last year of his contract this summer – a scenario which will encourage the European champions in Real Madrid.

Asked about Courtois ahead of their Premier League game against Liverpool, Conte pointed the finger at the club.

"I must be honest, I think this question is for the club, not for me," the Italian said.

"I like to give my opinion about technical decisions but it is important for the club to face this issue, to face this contract with Courtois.

"I can tell you Courtois is one of the best, maybe the best goalkeeper in the world and he is a player very important for Chelsea. I can tell you this.

"The renewal of the contract is a task for the club. As you know very well, if a big player decides to not sign a new contract, it is difficult for the club to try to face this issue.

"But at the same time there is space to deal with this type of situation and to try to solve the situation.

"In this season, (Alexis) Sanchez and (Mesut) Ozil are finishing their contracts with Arsenal. These situations are not simple but every club has to try and solve all these situations."

Conte added: "For sure he will be the best in the world, maybe he is now the best. But he knows very well my opinion and my thoughts about him."