Atletico Madrid linked with move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke to replace Radamel Falcao

The Belgian forward had a hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League

Christian Benteke celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Thibaut Courtois believes Belgium team-mate Christian Benteke could be just the man Atletico Madrid need to fill the sizeable gap left by Radamel Falcao's big-money move to Monaco.

Atletico snapped up young Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao yesterday as they seek to replace the prolific Falcao and have also been linked with a number of other forwards.

One of these is Benteke, who won himself a long list of admirers with his performances for Aston Villa last season, and goalkeeper Courtois believes Atletico would get themselves a "great signing" if they lure the 22-year-old to the Vicente Calderon.

"He's a very strong centre-forward, tall, but with very good technique and skilful with the ball at his feet," said Courtois, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico from Chelsea.

"I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team and I'm going to ask him about his future."

Courtois added of the former Genk forward in quotes reported by the Spanish press: "I know him well, we played together when we were young. Benteke is a player who has worked hard, he left Genk and had several loans spells that has helped him grow.

"He had a sensational 2011/12 season with Genk and that led to the attention from the Premier League."

PA