Chelsea striker Diego Costa is on the brink of completing a £40m return to former club Atletico Madrid, according to a report.
Costa's time in West London appears to be coming to an end after being told by boss Antonio Conte that he is free to move on, despite top scoring for the Premier League champions last season with 20 goals.
The Spain international revealed earlier in the summer that the only club he will consider quitting Stamford Bridge for is Atleti, who he spent four years with before joining the Blues in 2014.
Respected Spanish journalist Manu Sainz suggested on Twitter late on Wednesday that the 28-year-old could finalise terms "in the next few hours", with Atletico expected to keep the striker at the Wanda Metropolitano until January when they can officially register him.
The Rojiblancos saw their transfer ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month, meaning that any new arrivals will be made to sit in the stands - or be sent immediately out on loan - until the New Year.
Daniel Lewis
