Monday 18 July 2011

Chelsea Set To Sign Young Belgian Keeper Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed teenage goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is having a medical ahead of his move from Belgian champions Genk.

The Londoners agreed a fee for the 19-year-old at the weekend and the keeper is discussing personal terms.

The 6ft 6in Belgian international impressed hugely last season, making 40 appearances in the Pro League.

"We received an enormous offer that gave us no choice but to let him go," said Genk director Dirk Degraen.

"I have mixed feelings about this transfer - (we) wanted Thibaut to stay a bit longer."

The club added that Chelsea's offer was "by far the largest bid" they had ever received for any of their players.

Villas-Boas confirmed: "There is an agreement between the two clubs.

"[Now] we will decide what is best for him."

Asked whether Courtois could challenge for a first-team spot this season, Villas-Boas added: "It seems unfair for me to make any comment on him but as soon as he is a Chelsea player we will see what kind of future he has."

Courtois was first choice for Genk last season and also received his first call-up to the senior Belgium squad.

The young keeper said recently: "Chelsea sees me as the successor to Petr Cech. It won't happen in one or two years, but in three, four or five years.

"I can therefore work on my development in peace."

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