Atletico Madrid step up chase for Chelsea striker Diego Costa but only offering a THIRD of what Tianjian Quanjian offered in January
Costa is prepared to move back to Madrid this summer knowing he will not be available to play until January due to club transfer ban
ATELTICO MADRID are pushing ahead with their efforts to bring Chelsea striker back to Spain, but the Spaniards want to nick him on the cheap.
The Daily Mirror report Atletico are only offering £22million with add-ons, that is less than a third of the £76m Chinese Super League outfit Tianjian Quanjian offered in January.
Costa revealed he was informed by Blues boss Antonio Conte he has no future with the Premier League champions, and is keen on a return to his former club after refusing a move to the Far East.
The striker is due to report back to Cobham for pre-season training next week, but in the meantime his representatives will hold talks with Chelsea to find a solution during the summer window.
Atletico turned their attention to the 28-year-old when a deal for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette fell through.
Atletico are confident of landing the Spanish international, who has scored 52 league goals and won two Premier League titles in his three years at Stamford Bridge.
The striker is prepared to return to the Spanish capital knowing he will be on the sidelines until January due to the club’s transfer ban.
Atletico are so confident of getting their man they have drawn up a training programme to keep him match fit while he is not playing games.
The La Liga giants know Chelsea will demand a higher fee for a proven goalscorer and one of the best strikers in Europe.
Meanwhile Chelsea are still in the hunt to land Roma defender Antonio Rudiger and Juventus full-back Alex Sandro.
