There will be more talks are planned about the two players after the next round of Champions League matches this month.
Representatives of Atletico actually put TWO offers on the table for Chelsea’s Belgium keeper Courtois, who is currently on loan in Madrid.
Each one has knock-on effects for Chelsea’s rivals as they involve players currently being chased by Arsenal and Manchester United.
Atletico are ready to pay £16m for Courtois and include Spain under-21 star Koke – a United target – in part-exchange.
But it is an alternative deal which would see the Spanish club pay around £8m and send in-demand striker Costa to Stamford Bridge, which may be more tempting to the Blues.
The Spain striker is a player Jose Mourinho wants to boost his misfiring forward line – but he is also being chased by the Gunners.
Costa has a £32m buy-out clause in his contract but his true value has fallen recently and Atletico have now signalled they are willing to let him go.
Chelsea have repeatedly ruled out selling Courtois, and want him to sign a contract extension committing his future to the club until 2019.
But he does not want to return to Stamford Bridge next season to play second fiddle to Petr Cech, and is tempted by a permanent move to Madrid.
The 21-year-old signed a five-year deal with Chelsea in 2011 but has been on loan at Atletico for three seasons and is yet to play for the Blues.
He has also attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilneline
