Report: Chelsea to deal with Courtois interest
Chelsea coach Christophe Lollichon was sent to Spain to convince Thibaut Courtois that his future lay with the English club, according to reports in the British media.
By FOX Sports Staff
The Belgian is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid for the second successive season and has become a favourite at the Vicente Calderon, sparking off an internet craze called 'Thibauting' where fans have uploaded images mimicking the goalkeeper's saves.
Furthermore, it is believed that Atletico are keen to hold onto Courtois and are considering placing a bid for the player at the end of the season. They are hopeful that Courtois would reciprocate theinterest and attempt to convince his parent club in a bid to continue playing regular first-team football in the La Liga.
Seen as the long-term successor to Petr Cech, Courtois is highly valued by the Blues coaching staff but the 20-year-old will likely not be able to displace the Czech custodian from the first team anytime soon.
Moreover, recent reports in the Spanish media have also indicated that Barcelona are said to be interested in signing the goalkeeper. The La Liga leaders are in need of a replacement for Victor Valdes after the goalkeeper recently declared his decision to leave the club and seek out a new challenge.
However, the Daily Mail has stated that Lollichon's presence in Atleti's weekend win over Real Betis could also indicate the club's willingness to tie down the player's future. The report states that the player was being evaluated and is being considered for a new contract. Courtois has regularly starred in the La Liga and was also impressive in Atletico's Super Cup triumph over Chelsea earlier in the season.
Having lost Jack Butland to Stoke, the 20-year-old's stock has risen even further at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks and the Blues are not too keen on loaning him out for a third season in the coming summer.