Rosell admires Blues on loan stopper Thibaut Courtois.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has admitted he is a big fan of Chelsea’s on loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, amid suggestions the Belgian could replace Victor Valdes next summer.
Courtois, 21, is spending a third consecutive season on loan at Atletico Madrid, where he has established himself as one of the leading stoppers in Europe.
The Belgian international is widely tipped to return to Stamford Bridge next summer to battle with stalwart Peter Cech for the Blues number one jersey but Rosell may launch a bid to keep Courtois in Spain, after confirming he is a fan of the youngster.
“Courtois is a ‘keeper who I like a lot. He is very good,” said the Barca supremo told radio show El Larguero.
Barcelona’s current number one Victor Valdes has confirmed his intention to leave Catalonia when his contract expires next summer, and Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, currently on loan at Napoli, has also been mooted as a possible replacement for his compatriot.
Despite reported interest in both Courtois and Reina, Rosell has stressed his number one priority is to convince Valdes to have a change of heart.
“We will try and convince him until the end,” Rosell said.
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