Chelsea star eyed as transfer target by London rivals

By Staff Writer
Updated: 2 November, 2012

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Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could be a surprise transfer target for London neighbours West Ham United according to reports from The Sun.

Courtois arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer from Belgium side Genk, however, he was immediately sent out on loan by Chelsea and enjoyed a fantastic campaign at La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Courtois returned to the Vicente Calderon for another one season loan this campaign, however, it is unclear where the goalkeeper’s long-term future lies as it seems clear Petr Cech is still viewed as Chelsea’s number one keeper – meaning the the Belgian international may be forced to look elsewhere to gain experience and playing time.

West Ham are said to interested in taking Courtois to Upton park when his loan deal at Atleti ends in June next year, however, it is understood Chelsea see the highly-rated stopper as the eventual successor to Cech.

Courtois was linked with Real Madrid by Mirror Football in April after it was claimed los blancos want to bring Courtois in initially as a understudy to Spain keeper Iker Casillas before taking over the number one jersey when Casillas retires.

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