Fulham, Southampton and Wigan are all interested in taking Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan next season. The Belgian was signed by Chelsea two years ago but has yet to make a first team appearance for the Blues. He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.
Atletico would like to keep Courtois again next season. He has been a regular starter for them, and they have enjoyed a successful La Liga campaign. They currently sit in third place in the Spanish table.
It is unclear where Courtois will be playing next season. Chelsea would prefer him to get some Premier League experience, so he will be ready to challenge Petr Cech for the number one spot in the next few years.
Fulham boss Martin Jol is keen as he needs a replacement for Mark Schwarzer, whose contract expires in the summer. Wigan and Southampton would also be interested in a loan deal, depending on them staying up this season.
Part of Falcao deal
Although Chelsea would rather he moved to a Premier League side, Atletico may use Chelsea’s interest in Rademel Falcao to try and secure Courtois for another season. Any deal taking Falcao to Stamford Bridge would be dependent on Atletico keeping Courtois either on loan or even permanently.
The player spoke about his potential club next season in the Sun: “I want to play in a team where I’m on the pitch.”
With the World Cup in Brazil at the end of next season, every player needs to be playing regular first team football to force themselves into their managers’ plans.