Diego
Costa's agent Jorge
Mendes met the chairman of Tianjin Quanjian today - sparking more
fears the Chelsea striker
wants a move to China.
Costa's
future at Chelsea is uncertain after being left out of the squad for
tomorrow's match at Leicester following a bust-up with coach Antonio Conte.
Tianjin Quanjian want Costa to become the next high
profile player from Europe to join the Chinese Super League.
It is believed they are prepared to pay in excess of
£570,000-a-week to make the switch, more than three times what he currently
earns at Stamford Bridge.
The presence of Mendes meeting chairman Shu Yuhui,
pictured being given a signed Cristiano Ronaldo shirt by the super agent, has
increased concerns that the Spain international could be on the verge of a
switch to the Far East.
Costa, who is the club's leading scorer with 14
League goals in 19 starts, has over two years left on his contract.
However, Chelsea were looking to offer him an
extension and a pay-rise in the coming months due to his superb form this term.
They won't be able to compete with what Tianjin
Quanjian can offer, however they will be determined to keep their prize asset.
The 28-year-old has been key to their surge to the
top of the table and their only other recognised striker in the squad is Michy
Batshuayi, who hasn't started a League game all season.
Tianjin Quanjian are prepared to pay in excess of
£80m for Costa, who joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for £32m in 2014.
The 28-year-old has been key to their surge to the
top of the table and their only other recognised striker in the squad is Michy
Batshuayi, who hasn't started a League game all season.
Costa wanted to quit Chelsea for Atletico Madrid
last summer only for Conte and Chelsea to block the move.
It has been reported in Italy that Costa's row with
Conte took place on the training ground last week and that the dispute ended
with the Chelsea coach shouting 'go to China' at the forward.
With Costa out of the squad tomorrow night, Chelsea
are expected to start with Eden Hazard up front at Leicester, with Pedro and
Willian on the flanks.
They are under pressure to get the victory after
Spurs ended their 13-game winning streak last week. Chelsea currently lead
closest challengers Liverpool by five points, while Tottenham will close to
within four before the Blues' clash kicks off if they defeat West Brom
Chinese Super League clubs are only permitted three
overseas players in their ranks and Tianjin Quanjian have one berth left.
Standard Sport understands they want a world class striker to fill the void,
which is why they're pursuing Costa.
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