Transfer Rumour Rater: Kevin De Bruyne to Atletico Madrid in the January Window

In a bid to strengthen his chances of making Marc Wilmots' Belgian World Cup squad, Kevin de Bruyne could follow the path of teammate and countryman Thibaut Courtois with a move to the Vicente Calderon this winter.

The Express' Charles Perrin has reported that the youngster's international compatriot Toby Alderweireld has encouraged De Bruyne to ditch the Blues in favour of a Spanish switch to Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to Belgium-based newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Alderweireld is reported by Perrin as saying:

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"It will be fantastic if he joins Atletico in January. Kevin is an excellent player. He knows how to play football.

On the other hand, this team is already shaped and is doing well in the league. If he decides to leave Chelsea, he has to move to a team where he can play regularly, because the World Cup is coming."

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De Bruyne has failed to figure as a part of Jose Mourinho's squad since coming back from a loan spell at Werder Bremen over the summer, but undoubtedly holds vast potential.

Could Atletico be the midfielder's saviour ahead of next summer's World Cup? Let us know in the poll above.