Sportsmail revealed earlier this year that Barcelona are resigned to losing Victor Valdes at the end of this season and have installed Courtois as their priority target to replace him, following his stunning form for Atletico Madrid over the past two-and-a-half years.
Nou Camp insiders have confirmed the 21-year old remains at the top of their list and that an offer will be made to keep him in La Liga.
Loan star: Courtois has spent the last two season on loan at Atletico Madrid
Award winner: Coutois picked up a gong for his performances over the past year in Spain
Though the intention is to make him a Barcelona player in time for next season, rather than in the January window, an approach to Chelsea could be made in the next few weeks, after Courtois broke his silence over his long-term future and made it clear he wants answers before the countdown begins to the World Cup finals.
Now in his third season on loan at Atletico, after joining Chelsea from Genk in the summer of 2011, the Belgium number one intends using the imminent Christmas break in La Liga to consult Stamford Bridge bosses about where he stands.
'We have a week off over Christmas, and I will take the opportunity to speak to Chelsea,’ he said. ‘It is something I hope to have cleared up by February, because I have a lot of important things to do after that, for Atletico at club level and with Belgium in the World Cup.
Jeepers keepers: Cech firmly remains the No 1 at Stamford Bridge, but Valdes looks set to leave the Nou Camp
'It is better to play without looming issues in your head at the end of the season. For now, I’m very happy at Atletico Madrid, and I am very happy to play in Spain. But Chelsea are one of the best in the world, and that's not something that comes easy, so we will see what happens.'
Courtois has no intention of sitting on the bench, if he does cut his ties with Spain and return to Chelsea next summer, and will want assurances about starting games. With Petr Cech showing no sign of winding down and ending his long reign as number one, that would present manager Jose Mourinho with a dilemma.
Barca, meanwhile, feel it could open the door for them, with Valdes' departure clearing the way for Courtois to move in as automatic first choice.
Plenty to ponder: Blues boss Mourinho must make a decision on Courtois' future in the New Year
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