Thursday, 9th January, 2013
Atletico Madrid are standing ready to sign Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea on a permanent basis if there is any opportunity to do so.
The Belgium international has been on loan at the Vicente Calderon for the last two-and-a-half years, with no first team spot at Chelsea available due to the longevity of Petr Cech between the sticks.
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Courtois is due to return to Chelsea at the end of the season, however the Belgian has warned he does not want to warm the bench after playing regularly for so long.
And according to Spanish daily AS, Atletico Madrid are keen to do a permanent deal with Chelsea for the custodian.
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Courtois admitted recently that he cannot say what his future holds and talks with Chelsea are planned.
However, even if Courtois learns that Chelsea wish to keep faith with Cech for longer, there is no guarantee Atletico Madrid will be able to meet any asking price slapped on the goalkeeper's head.
Indeed, Courtois has been rated as one of the finest young goalkeepers in world football, helped in part by his spell in Spain, and Chelsea will demand a fee to match.
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