Courtois keen on Benteke move

Thibaut Courtois thinks fellow countryman Christian Benteke could be just the man Atletico Madrid need to fill the gap left by Radamel Falcao.



Atletico snapped up young Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao on Monday as they seek to replace the prolific Falcao and have also been linked with a number of other forwards.



One of these is Benteke, who won himself a long list of admirers with his performances for Aston Villa last season, and goalkeeper Courtois believes Atletico would get themselves a "great signing" if they lure the 22-year-old to the Vicente Calderon.



"He's a very strong centre-forward, tall, but with very good technique and skilful with the ball at his feet," said Courtois, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico from Chelsea.



"I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team I'm going to ask him about his future."



Courtois added of the former Genk forward in quotes reported by the Spanish press: "I know him well, we played together when we were young. Benteke is a player who has worked hard, he left Genk and had several loans spells that has helped him grow.



"He had a sensational 2011/12 season with Genk and that led to the attention from the Premier League."

Courtois has faith in Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois believes that Chelsea's youth policy will give him a chance of a successful future at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid since joining Chelsea from Racing Genk in June 2011.



The 21-year-old has already played for his country at senior level and is seen as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, but has earned glowing reviews during his stint at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.



He said:

"Chelsea have the young players that maybe in two or three years' time can win everything.



"I signed with Chelsea, not just because it is a big club but also because of its commitment to young players. I want to be part of Chelsea history."



However, Courtois is open-minded as to whether or not he will get the chance to impress with his parent club.



He said: "Chelsea have always been very fair with me and they are also smart people and they know that I need to play.



"I don't know where that will be but I do know I have proved myself in the two years I have been here (in Madrid)."