Rumour: Chelsea believe they will seal move for Diego Costa next week

Diego Costa

Chelsea believe they will be able to seal their move for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa this week, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues have offered Romelu Lukaku on a loan deal as a makeweight in the deal, but the Belgian international is believed to prefer a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

Atletico have cast their eyes elsewhere, however, and are interested in Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo as a replacement for the powerful striker, according to Goal.com. Negredo is said to want a move away from the Etihad Stadium, having failed to score in the final 16 games of City’s season. He missed out on Vincente del Bosque’s World Cup squad as a result.

Thibaut Courtois, who impressed considerably on loan for Atletico last season, will return to Chelsea for the season ahead.

Petr Cech may leave Stamford Bridge as a result, with West Ham, Newcastle and QPR all interested in the goalkeeper.

Diego Costa has not hit a single shot on target during the World Cup thus far.