Chelsea loanee Thibaut Courtois's future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain after the club delayed the decision on whether to release the Belgian for a third loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Courtois has spent the last two seasons at the Vicente Calderon, forming a reputation as one of Europe's best goalkeepers, having this season kept 15 La Liga clean sheets in 28 games amid Atletico's rise into the top three.

But with Petr Cech's form looking unlikely to waver, Courtois would likely be restricted to a bit-part role should he return to Chelsea this summer, with the 20 year old having already stated he wants first-team football next season as his development continues.

As yet a decision hasn't been made over Courtois' destination next season, and the ex-Racing Genk stopper says Chelsea may wait until a new manager has been appointed this summer before making a definitive decision.

Thibaut Courtois
Courtois could spend a third season on loan in the Spanish capital.

"My future is unclear, it's the same as I have said in the past few weeks," said Courtois.

"I was hoping that this week I would find out what will happen, but Chelsea have asked for a bit more time, perhaps because they are going to get a new coach.

"I don't know what will happen but I will have to wait a little longer before I find out."

30 year old Cech provided another reminder as to his staying power with a brilliant one-handed save to deny Javier Hernandez in the FA Cup quarter final win over Manchester United on Easter Monday, and the form of the Czech Republic international this season suggests Courtois will have to play the waiting game in order to break into the Chelsea first team.

"He is still a great keeper," Courtois said last week.

"I have my place at Atletico, they like me there, it would not be bad if I could stay here. But doesn't depend only on me.

"I don't know where I am going to be playing next season, but I know the options," he said. "My agent is discussing things with Chelsea. Certain factors come into it.

"In any case, I want to play in a team where I will be on the pitch and not on the bench."

After the appointment of a new manager this summer, Chelsea's priorities will include sorting out the future of a series of their players who are distributed around Europe, including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard.

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