Diego Simeone: Atletico would spend over £20m for Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois

ATLETICO MADRID boss Diego Simeone has revealed his club would be willing spend over £20m to keep Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois at the club.

Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois is currently enjoying a loan spell in Spain

The 21-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan with the Spanish outfit, and having joined the club in 2011, the Belgian international is still yet to make his debut for the Blues.

A fourth consecutive season on loan seems unlikely for Courtois, and Atletico now look ready to make a serious offer to keep him with the high-flying La Liga side.

Speaking on national television, Simone claimed his team would spend €26m to keep Courtois, who has enjoyed a lot of success during his time with the club.

Definitely," he said after being asked if the club would spend the money.

"For me anything paid for Courtois would be cheap.

"He's a young guy who has a huge future and is on track to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Signing a goalkeeper of his caliber would be a big step, but it will not be easy.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone

"It depends on what Courtois wants, the club (Chelsea) knows our needs, but it is not up to us, because he is is not our player." continued Simeone.

Courtois recently admitted he needs to know what his parent club has planned for him in the 2014/15 season.

"About my future, I cannot wait much longer," he said.

"I need to make a decision with Chelsea as soon as possible, in March, but at the moment I do not really want to talk because there are so many games and you must be focused."
Atletico boss Diego Simeone