Barcelona have launched a bid to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois next summer.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, but has emerged as Barcelona's number target to replace the departing Victor Valdes.

The highly-rated Belgian international is said to be a big part of Jose Mourinho's plans for the future, but he is concerned that with Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge, he will be relegated to a bench role behind the Chelsea legend. 

The Daily Mail claims Barcelona have made contact with Chelsea over a possible deal, but it is believed the London outfit are not willing to sell for anything less than £17million. 

However, Barcelona could face stiff competition as Atletico Madrid are poised to battle their La Liga rivals and keep hold of their current number one goalkeeper following the completion of his season long loan spell. 

Courtois has been a rising star in La Liga helping Atletico Madrid off to a fantastic start as they sit second in the table through 17 games, tied on points with Barcelona.