Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois wants Villa striker Christian Benteke to join him in Spain

ATLETICO MADRID could field Belgian pair Thibaut Courtois and Christian Benteke next season, after the on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper talked up the Villa forward as Falcao's replacement.

Chelsea's Thibaut Coutois (right) has sung the praises of Belgian team-mate Christian Benteke (left)

Atletico are in the market for a proven goalscorer this summer after coveted hitman Falcao secured a £50 million move to French money-bags Monaco.

And Aston Villa's Benteke - who scored 19 Premier League goals in his debut campaign in English football - has been suggested as the Colombian's replacement at the Vicente Calderon by Courtois.

"He's a very strong centre-forward," said Courtois. "Tall, but with very good technique and skilful with the ball at his feet.

 
Benteke has reportedly told Aston Villa he wants to leave although Paul Lambert says he will stay

I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team I am going to ask him about his future

Thibaut Courtois

"I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team I am going to ask him about his future."

Courtois' own future is up in the air, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expected to make a decision on whether to bring the emerging shot-stopper back to Stamford Bridge or not in the coming weeks.

But the 21-year-old appears happy to stay in the Spanish capital for now and has urged Benteke to join him after lavishing praise on his international team-mate.

 
Courtois may spend another year on loan at Atletico, with Jose Mourinho set to decide on his future

"I know him well, we played together when we were young," continued Courtois. "Benteke is a player who has worked hard, he left Genk and had several loans spells that has helped him grow.

"He had a sensational 2011/12 season with Genk and that led to the attention from the Premier League."

copied from express.co.uk