Friday, 22nd November, 2013
Thibaut Courtois is in danger of being relegated by Jose Mourinho to the Chelsea bench for the remainder of his contract if he does not pen a renewal until 2019.
According to Marca, Mourinho is intent on making Courtois the understudy to Petr Cech though the Belgian is understood to be very happy with life on loan at Atletico Madrid.
The complication with regard to next summer emerges in the form of Barcelona, who have identified Courtois as a potential replacement for Victor Valdes.
Courtois has been on loan at Atletico Madrid for the last two seasons, along with the current campaign, but is contracted to Chelsea until 2016.
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A move to Barcelona will possibly come at a heavy price for the Catalans given that Chelsea paid in excess of €20m for Courtois.
However, Mourinho is understood to be seeking an extension, but if Courtois refuses the same he faces the possibility of being called back but confined to the bench.
Courtois' three seasons with Atletico Madrid have brought not only 117 appearances but also the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and, most recently, a Copa del Rey triumph after beating derby rivals Real Madrid.
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