Diego Costa may be holding out for a return to Atletico Madrid in order to end his 'criminal' treatment at Chelsea (which involves him receiving £150,000-a-week for not turning up to work) but another club are readying an offer for the Brazilian born Spain international.
As it transpires, a move to Ligue Un may now be a more likely switch for Costa, with Marseille set to offer £27.5 million for the former Atleti striker's services.
Speaking to SFR Sport, L'OM president Jacques-Henri Eyraud said, "What I like about the player is his character, his passion and his willingness to fight.
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"He would fit in well with our team. I understand he was a complicated contractual situation at Chelsea.
"But if it a player ticks all the boxes, we could reach a bid of up to £27.5million."
Costa's goals have fired Chelsea to two of the last three Premier League titles. Image: PA
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Costa's future has been a source of much discussion since he and Conte had an almighty falling out during a training session at Chelsea's Cobham complex in January, with the Blues' Italian manager instructing Costa to 'go to China' in a furious rant.
Costa recently released an official statement on his plans to return to Atletico Madrid, although he may be forced to 'settle' for a move to the south of France in the meantime should Marseille's potential offer be accepted by the Premier League champions.
In his statement, Costa said, "My destination is has already been decided. I must return to Atletico Madrid," he is quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.
"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea do not want to release me.
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"But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."
The Spain international has accused Chelsea of treating him like a 'criminal', this summer. Image: PA
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Costa's comments follow on from an interview in which he opened up about his situation to Daily Mail.
Journalist Adam Crafton knocked on the door of his house, was welcomed in and got the scoop from Costa, who revealed all.
During the interview, Costa had the following to say about his relationship with Conte and Chelsea:
"I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn't want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you, you have to go," Costa said.
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"I respect him as a great coach. He has done a good job and I can see that, but as a person, no. He is not a coach who is very close with his players. He is very distant. He doesn't possess charisma."
(H/T The Mirror)
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Marseille, Football, Chelsea FC, Diego Costa