Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid: The Chelsea star’s return to La Liga edges closer as bookmakers suspend betting
The 28-year-old is poised to link up with Diego Simeone's side once again after departing Spain for the Premier League in 2014
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DIEGO COSTA'S return to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea is edging closer after Paddy Power suspended betting on the imminent deal.
The 28-year-old is poised to link up with Diego Simeone's side once again after departing Spain for Stamford Bridge in 2014.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: "It looks like a case of the Costa deal’s go, as bets have flooded in for the Premier League’s ultimate b*****d to depart.
“Our customers have lumped on Atletico and AC Milan signing him, which suggests an arrangement has been reached to get around the Atletico transfer ban.”
The 2013/14 league champions are currently on a transfer ban, where they cannot register new players until January.
It looks likely that he will be signed by Simeone this summer, then shipped off immediately on loan to Serie A outfit AC Milan until the winter transfer window where he can remain match fit.
Blues boss Antonio Conte left him out of their pre-season squad in order to sort out a transfer back to La Liga.
Earlier this month, SunSport revealed how the Brazilian-born Spanish international said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as a transfer nears completion.
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Only earlier this week did the controversial forward don an Atletico jersey while partying.
He apparently told his Instagram Live viewers - and team-mate Cesc Fabregas, to "give Conte a hug".
His relationship with the Italian manager has deteriorated after the 47-year-old told Costa he isn't welcome at the club via a text message.
It is reported he said: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan."
To which Costa simply replied: "Ok."
He has turned down a move to China as he looks focused on playing at the highest level in a bid to make the Spanish squad for 2018 World Cup in Russia.
His three season stay in West London was hugely successful - banging in 20 Premier League goals in the 2015 and 2017 campaigns as the Blues romped to the title, as well as winning the League Cup in 2015.