• Premier League

Chelsea lining up youngster Courtois

ESPNsoccernet staff
July 11, 2011
Thibaut Courtois is 19 years of age © PA Photos
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Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal to bring highly-rated young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to the club from Racing Genk, according to his father.

Courtois, 19, is believed to have been on the Blues' radar for some time after starring for Genk as they lifted the Belgian Pro League title last season.

Atletico Madrid had also been linked with a swoop for Courtois - as a replacement for David De Gea following his move to Manchester United - but the teenager's father, who also acts as his agent, says Stamford Bridge is his son's destination of choice.

"He was in in Chelsea last week," Thierry Courtois revealed to Het Belang Van Limberg. "I think Chelsea and Genk have reached an agreement. Tuesday we will come and talk about the transfer."

It has been claimed that Courtois will be allowed to return on loan to continue his football education with Genk and his father confirmed a return to his homeland could be a viable option, though he insisted a permanent stay in Belgium is now out of the question.

"Maybe Chelsea will lend Thibaut to Genk, but a contract extension does not interest us anymore," Courtois Snr added.

One player who may be staying in Belgium, however, is Anderlecht starlet Romelu Lukaku. It had appeared the precocious striker would finalise a move to Chelsea last month, but he says he would be happy to remain at Anderlect.

"Occasionally you might yearn for something new, but for now I sit here very well. We'll see where it goes," Lukaku said. "[However] I would really like a top transfer and I have always wanted to go to England."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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