Chelsea are reportedly prepared to use Thibaut Courtois as a makeweight in any deal that would see Radamel Falcao join the club from Atletico Madrid.
Belgian goalkeeper Courtois is currently enjoying his second straight season on loan at the Vicente Calderon, and the Spanish outfit are apparently keen to make the transfer permanent.
It is widely understood that the Blues are in the market for an established marksman, and owner Roman Abramovich is leading the £50m pursuit of Falcao, who has netted 25 La Liga goals this season.
Both Manchester clubs are also thought to be keen on the Colombian striker, but Chelsea's offer of Courtois in part-exchange appears to have propelled them to the front of the queue for his signature, according to The Mirror.
Twenty-year-old Courtois moved to Stamford Bridge in 2011 from Racing Genk, but has yet to make a first-team appearance.
