Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and are plotting a massive offer to outbid Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.

The 21-year-old 'keeper is currently enjoying his third successive loan season at Atletico Madrid and he is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea. Courtois has become a pivotal player for Diego Simeone's side and after his latest impressing performance against Milan, in the Champions League last 16, many Spanish pundits have claimed he is the best goalkeeper in the world.

However, with Petr Cech still immovable at Stamford Bridge, Courtois's future remains uncertain and according to Spanish newspaper Daily AS Real Madrid are ready to battle with Atletico Madrid for his services, while Barcelona have been also reportedly interested in his signature.

With Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez's future at Real Madrid up in the air, Los Blancos have identified Courtois as their top target.

Nevertheless, Chelsea will have the last word, as the stopper has a contract in west London until 2016.

In the case that Chelsea decide to part with him, they expect to make a good business, as they signed him for £5m in 2011 and now may taking advantage of the Spanish giants' desire for a new goalkeeper and attempt to recoup more than £25m.

According to AS, the Blues are also considering extending Courtois' contract and loan him to Atletico for one more season to get him back in 2015, when Cech will be 33 years old.

It is understood that Mourinho is likely to have him back at the team next summer to fight for a place with Cech but the Belgium has insisted several times that he will only return to the capital to be the number one.

"If I go to a team, I want to be the number one, and if something goes wrong, I'll leave my place", Courtois said last month.

Jose Mourinho