Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has apparently set his heart on playing for Barcelona

Young stopper eyes up vacant opportunity.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has apparently set his heart on playing for Barcelona next summer once Victor Valdes moves on, the Metro reports.

The young Belgian international is currently enjoying his third consecutive loan spell with Atletico Madrid, where he is currently helping Diego Simeone’s side keep up with the leaders at the top of the table by recording eight straight victories.

Catalan newspaper Sport have reported that the 21-year-old is keen on staying in Spain for the foreseeable future, and Barcelona are believed to be keen on making that a reality as they tentatively begin their search for a replacement for Victor Valdes, who has reiterated his desire to leave the club at the end of the season once again.

The Catalan giants have identified Belgian Courtois, who joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011, as their first choice and are willing to spend big to get their man, and they will be hoping that their bargaining chip will be the Blues’ reluctance to move him above Petr Cech in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois is still under contract with Chelsea until 2016, but is thought to be keen on sorting his future out as soon as possible.