Transfer news: Chelsea reportedly agree swap deal with Atletico Madrid for Manchester United 'target' Diego Costa

Thibaut Courtois would stay in Madrid

Diego Costa celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have agreed a swap deal that will see Diego Costa come to Stamford Bridge next season, according to reports.

Spanish media claim that Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, who has spent the past three seasons on loan in Madrid, will stay at Atletico as part of the deal.

The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as one of the best young keepers around, reportedly is keen to stay on in the Spanish capital and it is thought that Jose Mourinho will use him as a makeweight in a deal for Costa.

The striker has 19 goals this La Liga campaign and has reportedly attracted attention from other Premier League clubs like Man United and Arsenal.

However it is thought now that Chelsea are favourites to sign the player.

Chelsea were said to be keen for Courtois to sign a new deal at the club, but the Belgian has said he will only return if he is No.1 keeper.

"It is not up to me to say I am going to be No 1," Courtois said. "But neither do I want to go to a team and not play. I want to play, if not at Chelsea, then at another team.

"I know that Atletico want to make an effort to sign me, but it depends on Chelsea, on what they want and how much they are going to ask," Courtois said.

"First my agent is going to talk with Chelsea to see when I can speak with someone there, and from there we can take another step.

"Now Atleti are waiting until Chelsea says something. Maybe by the end of March, more or less."