Thibaut Courtois has hinted his international Belgian teammate Christian Benteke could be a great signing for Atletico Madrid.
The Aston Villa striker is being tipped as a possible replacement for Radamel Falcao at the Vicente Calderon after a superb Premier League season, despite Paul Lamberts’ men having battled relegation for a good part of it.
The 22-year-old, signed from Genk in August 2012 for around €8m, notched 19 goals in the English top flight last year and has attracted a good deal of interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Atletico goalkeeper Courtois feels Benteke would fit in well in the Spanish capital, as he told a Press conference at Belgium’s training headquarters prior to Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Serbia.
“I’ve known him for many years as we played together as young boys. I remember when he was loaned to Standard Liege and later played at Genk, where he had a great season, and then went to Aston Villa, where he has had another great season.
“I’ll see him this week and ask him how things are going but these are things to be discussed between club and player.
“I imagine Atletico will not be the only ones who want him. Maybe he wants to stay in England but I’m sure he would be a great signing for Atletico.”
However, Villa are in no mood to let the Kinshasa-born player go on the cheap and are understood to be demanding at least €30m for his services.
