Atleti tell Costa to return to Chelsea

Atletico Madrid have advised Diego Costa to return to Chelsea training to ensure he can move back to Spain in January, say reports.

The Daily Mail claim Los Rojiblancos have told the 28-year-old – who is yet to return from his holiday in Brazil – that he must return to Stamford Bridge in order for the English champions to negotiate his sale.

The Spain international was reportedly informed by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte that he was no longer part of his plans for next season but despite his insistence upon a return to Atletico, no transfer was processed.

Atleti are not allowed to register new players until January 2018 so whilst the failure to do a summer sale does not immediately change the situation, it leaves the striker’s future up in the air.

Los Colchoneros are not prepared to meet the Blues asking price – a reported €53m (£50m) – but believe the striker’s return to training could smooth negotiations to process a January move.

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