Chelsea star has two years remaining on his contract at the Stamford Bridge side, and the Blues are keen to renew and discuss plans for next season.
Chelsea will consider allowing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to go out on loan to Atletico Madrid for a fourth successive season next term, but only if he signs an extension to his contract at Stamford Bridge, reports the Daily Star.
The Belgian signed for the Blues from Jupiler Pro League side KRC Genk, agreeing a five year contract, and immediately headed to the Spanish capital to gain experience in La Liga.
Courtois had an encouraging start to his career at Estadio Vicente Calderon, keeping four clean sheets in his opening six matches, and overtaking Sergio Asenjo to become first choice between the posts after David De Gea was sold to Manchester United.
In his first season with Atleti, Courtois has claimed the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and won the Copa Del Rey in his second.
Courtois’ loan has since been extended twice, with the current campaign his third season at Atletico Madrid, and a fourth successive year away from the club that owns him would be near unprecedented for a player of his level.
The 21 year-old earned his first cap for the Belgium national team in November 2011, becoming the youngest ever goalkeeper to play for the Red Devils in the process, and has since gone on to earn 14 caps for his country – all while at Atletico Madrid on loan.
In 40 appearances for Diego Simeone’s title challenging side this season, Courtois has kept 19 clean sheets, and is as much a part of the team’s success as attacking players such as Koke, Arda Turan, David Villa and Diego Costa.
Chelsea’s dilemma remains whether Petr Cech is ready to stand aside at Stamford Bridge, for Courtois has already indicated that he would not consider returning to his parent club if he had to sit on the bench.
“I’ll have to clear it up with Chelsea,” said Courtois to Spanish publication AS last month.
“Cech is still a very good goalkeeper and I don’t want to go to a club not to play.”
With just two years remaining on his deal from this summer, Chelsea will be keen to pin down Courtois’ future as soon as possible.
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