Everton move for Chelsea striker breaks down

Everton's plans to sign Diego Costa on a 6-month loan deal have broken down yesterday, with the Spanish striker instead indicating that he would prefer to stay in West London or move to Spain in the January transfer window. Atletico Madrid have had an offer for Costa accepted.

The Spanish international, who has been told by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte that he has no future at the club, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge and has told reporters that Atletico Madrid, his former club, would be his preferred destination. However, Atletico are not able to bring in new players until a ban ends on January 1st 2018.

Atletico are therefore set to sign Costa on a permanent basis on that date, but would like for Costa to retain his fitness prior to that and are willing to send the player on a paid loan.

Everton had hoped to sign Costa but that deal seems to be dead in the water, with the striker seemingly not interested in a move to the north of England. Two Spanish sides, Las Palmas and Levante, have both been in contact with Chelsea regarding a loan move for Costa this morning.