Agent admits Arsenal & Man Utd target needs move to challenge Chelsea man for Belgium spot

Wednesday, February 27, 2013
10:27 AM

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet may need to move to a bigger club in order to fight for Belgium’s number one jersey, according to his agent.

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois in action for Belgium. Photo: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

The 24-year-old’s impressive performances for the Black Cats this season have reportedly attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

And Mignolet’s representative Guy Vandersmissen has hinted that a transfer could help him see off competition from Chelsea youngster Thibaut Courtois to start for his country.

Courtois, who is on loan at Spanish side Atletico Madrid, has been Belgium boss Marc Wilmots’ first choice in recent months.

“Our ambition is for Simon to play somewhere that he can engage in competition with Thibaut Courtois for the place in goal for Belgium,” Vandersmissen is quoted as saying in the Belgian press.

While Sunderland find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight, Atletico Madrid lie second in La Liga, ahead of giants Real Madrid.

“Courtois is fortunate that he is playing for a team that has been doing well lately,” added Vandermissen.