CHELSEA and Atletico Madrid have begun discussions over a £50million deal for Diego Costa – despite the La Liga side’s transfer ban until 2018.
The Spanish side have made a move to re-sign the hotshot three years after they sold him to the Blues.
Despite being top scorer for the Premier League champions last season, the striker was told via text by Stamford Bridge boss Antonio Conte he was no longer part of his plans.
Costa has made no secret of his desire to go back to his former side.
But the 28-year-old‘s switch back to the capital of Spain has been held up due to the ban imposed on Atletico by Fifa.
However, according to the Mirror talks have begun on a potential deal that will see Costa join them on-loan until January, when Atletico can then register him in the January transfer window.
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Understandably, the forward is desperate to get his future sorted as soon as possible.
He understands that he will be frozen out by Conte and will play no part in Chelsea’s pre-season tour to the Far East next month.
The Blues intended to sell him this summer but had been concerned Conte’s text would devalue Costa’s transfer value.
They are still intended to drive a hard bargain for the 20-goal man.
Their chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia wants £50m for the Spanish international.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are hoping to announce that Conte has agreed a new contract with the club in the coming days.
He is believed to have settled a new four-year deal worth around £9.6m every twelve months.
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