Source: Daily_Mail
Thibaut Courtois becomes Andre Villas- Boas's first Chelsea signing as £5m keeper joins from Genk
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that a deal is in place with Belgian club Genk for the transfer of teenage goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.[LNB]Genk announced, in a statement on their club website, they were left with no option other than to let Courtois leave when he did not appear for the friendly against Lyon.[LNB]The Belgian club said Chelsea's offer for Courtois was 'by far the largest bid' they have ever received for a player, and Villas-Boas explained the situation after the 1-0 victory for Chelsea at Portsmouth.[LNB] Five-year deal: Courtois[LNB]'There is an agreement between the two clubs,' Villas-Boas said.[LNB]'It is also subject to personal agreements and from then we will decide what is best for him.'[LNB]Asked whether Courtois could challenge for a first-team spot this season, Villas-Boas added: 'Let's wait for him to agree terms.[LNB]'It seems unfair for me to make any comment on him but as soon as he is a Chelsea player we will see what kind of future he has.'[LNB]Agent and father Thierry Courtois was summoned to a meeting with Chelsea bosses on Wednesday night and told his son was free to complete his dream move after agreement had been reached on a fee.[LNB]After earning only around ?80,000 a yearwith the Belgian champions, Courtois jnr was always assured of a bumperpay rise at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Sportsmail revealed a fortnight ago how Courtois feared he may have jeopardised his big chance after going public over Chelsea's interest and claiming they saw him as 'the new Petr Cech'.[LNB]He was reprimanded by his father for speaking out of turn, but Chelsea carried on regardless after Villas-Boas approved the idea of drafting him in as apotential long-term successor to Cech.[LNB]After failing with an initial ?3m bid, they contacted Genk with an increased offer that has now been rubber-stamped.[LNB]Courtoisplayed a key role in Genk's title success last season, but the club's attempts to tie him to a new improved long-term deal were dashed by Chelsea's overtures.[LNB]Courtois, 19, is a 6ft 6ins goalkeeper who was first choice for Genk as they won Belgium's top division, the Jupiler League, last season. He also received a first call-up to the senior Belgium squad.[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEChelsea on verge of signing 'new Petr Cech' Thibaut CourtoisChelsea in talks over ?18m move for Anderlecht striker LukakuAllt he latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB][LNB]
