Courtois eyes Atletico extension

Belgian keeper would welcome second season in Spain

Last Updated: January 10, 2012 9:03pm

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Thibaut Courtois: Joined Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan last summer

Sky Bet

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is hoping he will be granted permission to spend a second season with Atletico Madrid.

The Belgian shot-stopper joined the Blues from Genk last summer, but was immediately loaned out to Atletico.

The Spanish outfit drafted him in as cover for the Manchester United-bound David de Gea.

Courtois has impressed in the Primera Liga and has been able to get useful minutes under his belt.

Decision

He feels his development would be better served by an extended stay in Spain than a place on the bench at Chelsea.

"A second year would be fine," he said.

"That is a decision that depends on Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and me,

"There is time to decide because we are in January but I like Madrid, it is a very good club and if I can stay a second year here that would be great."