Transfer Centre

Chelsea to hold Thibaut Courtois talks

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 23 January 2013

The father of Chelsea loanee Thibault Courtois reveals that talks are planned with the club over his future amid apparent interest from Barcelona.

Chelsea hope to convince Thibaut Courtois that his future lies at Stamford Bridge when they hold talks with the highly-rated goalkeeper in the coming weeks.

Barcelona are reportedly lining up a bid for the 20-year-old as they eye a replacement for Victor Valdes, who could leave the Camp Nou at the end of the campaign.

However, Chelsea see Courtois as the long-term successor to Petr Cech and are aiming to persuade him to discount interest from other clubs and remain in London.

Amid reports of Barca's interest, the Belgian stopper's father, Thierry, denied contact with the Catalan club and revealed that imminent discussions are planned with the Blues.

He said: "At this moment there is no contract with Barcelona. A few days ago Thibaut had contact with the goalkeeper coach of Chelsea, who will soon report on his progress at Atletico.

"When this is done, we will work with Chelsea and talk about his future."

Courtois is currently on loan at La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, where he also spent last season after joining Chelsea from Genk in 2011.