Diego Costa has not joined up with his teammates for the first day of Chelsea’s pre-season training as he seeks to secure a return to Atletico Madrid, say reports.
According to the Telegraph, the Spain international has been afforded this week to clarify his future as he seeks to return to Los Rojiblancos this summer.
Reports in Diario AS on Sunday had claimed Turkish champions Besiktas were willing to conclude a loan deal with the 28-year-old until January should Atletico – who are under a player registration ban – sign the striker.
Atleti’s offer of €28m for Costa has reportedly been rejected but the Madrid-based club are confident of securing a deal, enhanced by the leak of Antonio Conte’s text message to the striker stating he was not in his plans.
Chelsea set off on their pre-season tour of Asia next Monday, which is said to be the deadline for Costa’s move away from the London club.
