Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reacted to rumours that Jose Mourinho is keen to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona this year.

Messi, who struck a hat-trick last night at Deportivo La Coruna, has been linked with the Blues, Manchester City and Manchester United this month amid talk of him being unsettled at Barca.

Courtois, who spent three years in Spain with Atletico Madrid, is surprised by the speculation.

"I do not know why this has caused such a stir! He has not even said he wants to leave Barcelona. With social networking today, people become crazy," Courtois told Canal Plus.

"I do not think Chelsea can buy Messi, except if we sell half our team!"