Barca target Chelsea's on-loan goalkeeper

Barcelona are targeting Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois, who is currently on-loan at Athletico Madrid.

Chelsea bought the Belgian goalkeeper from Genk for €9million in the summer of 2011, and was immediately loaned to Athletico who had just sold David De Gea to Manchester United.

The 20 year-old made his debut for Genk when he was 16, and then two seasons later, he earned his place in the first-team at just 18, starting 40 league games and leading his team to the Pro League title.

Athletico Madrid won last season’s Europa League with Courtois in goal, and he has been a huge hit in his two seasons in Spain.

Barcelona are reported to have readied a bid for the keeper, who see Courtois as the perfect long-term replacement for Victor Valdes, who turns 31 next month.

Chelsea currently have Petr Cech in goal, who signed a new four-year deal at the end of last season. Cech has been as good as ever, leading Chelsea to Champions League glory only 7 months ago.

It is not yet known whether Chelsea would be willing to sell Courtois, but I believe Barca would have to bid around £25million to get a response out of Chelsea.

I would like to see Courtois come back to Chelsea next season, to fight for his place in the team. Cech is in the prime of his life, but he will be 31 next May and won’t be able to play forever. I don’t think we can afford to let the young Belgian leave, when we will need him in the future.