Chelsea striker Diego Costa would welcome Romelu Lukaku signing

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 May 2017

Diego Costa hopes that Romelu Lukaku is given the chance to join him at "unique club" Chelsea, describing the Everton striker as a "very big player".

Diego Costa had described Everton striker Romelu Lukaku as a "very big player" who he hopes to link up with at Chelsea next season.

The Belgium international is into the final two years of his contract at Goodison Park and could be sold this summer if a big enough offer is tabled.

Reports in the British press suggest that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is still deliberating over whether to sign Lukaku, holding off making a decision until he has held talks with Costa later this week.

Costa has welcomed the prospect of Lukaku, the scorer of 25 goals in the Premier League last season, joining him at Stamford Bridge, despite the prospect of being pushed closer to the exit if a transfer goes through.

Asked by Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad if he could partner Lukaku next term, he said: "I do not know, that's a decision for the club. Of course Lukaku is a very big player who has played an impressive season.

"I hope he will ever have the possibility to sign at Chelsea because Chelsea is a unique club."

Costa, who ruled out a move to the Chinese Super League at the weekend, finished five goals behind Lukaku in the 2016-17 scoring charts.