Both Atletico and Los Blancos are keen on signing Courtois.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is the subject of interest from both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who are prepared to pay £25m for the starlet, according to Spanish publication AS.
Courtois signed for the Blues in 2011 from Belgian side Genk, but was immediately loaned out to Atletico and has since enjoyed three successful seasons there, helping Diego Simeone’s side to become Champions League regulars and outside La Liga title hopefuls.
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The 21-year-old has already made it clear to manager Jose Mourinho that he is not prepared to spend another year away from Stamford Bridge on-loan and the only way the stopper would leave west London is on a permanent transfer.
This poses a problem for Mourinho, with current No.1 Petr Cech still only 31-years-old and having been a stalwart in the starting XI for over a decade.
Atleti would be willing to allow their top-scorer Diego Costa to go the other way in order to sweeten the deal, knowing the Portuguese coach’s desire to sign a new striker.
The 25-year-old has been in brilliant form at the Vicente Calderon Stadium this term, filling the void left by the £50m departure of Radamel Falcao to AS Monaco and scoring 27 goals in 36 matches for the Spanish club.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo is also keen to sign Courtois permanently and has publicly admitted so ahead of the side’s Champions League last-16 second-leg tie with AC Milan.
“The future of Courtois? It will eventually be decided by Chelsea. They will decide whether we will renew the relationship with him or else they will bring him back. Now it is too early to tell,” Cerevo was quoted by Di Marzio.
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Courtois has made no secret of his affection for Simeone’s side, but has publicly denied rumours that he has already agreed to join their city rivals Los Merengues.
“It is all fake,” the ‘keeper was quoted by the London Evening Standard in response to having already discussed a move to Madrid.
“I have no agreement with other clubs. The world knows that I have a contract with Chelsea and Atletico and I am very happy.”
Madrid are looking into other options between the sticks due to head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s reservations about current No.1 Iker Casillas – with Diego Lopez having been handed the gloves for much of this season.
Courtois has become recognised as one of the best stoppers in world football in the last few years, having helped Atleti to the Europa League trophy in 2012 and the Copa del Rey last term.
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