Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal with the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid for the sale of Diego Costa, according to The Mirror.

The 28-year-old striker has refused to return to Stamford Bridge after he was informed by manager Antonio Conte that he was no longer wanted.

The Spain international has made it clear that if he leaves the Blues, he only wants to return to Diego Simeone’s side, where he spent four years before joining the west London outfit in 2014.

Atleti are permitted to buy players in the summer transfer window, but they are not allowed to register them until January next year due to a transfer embargo upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The report suggests that the Diego Costa saga could be edging close in a conclusion as both clubs are on the brink of agreeing on a £30m deal for the Spaniard.

Costa has been linked with a loan move to Everton, who are looking for a world-class striker before the transfer window slams shut down on Thursday.