Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have agreed a sensational swap deal that could see Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge next season, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The Blues own Atletico keeper Thiabut Courtois, hailed by many as the best young keeper in Europe thanks to his performances on loan in the past three seasons.
But the 21-year-old would like to stay in Madrid, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho wanting star striker Costa in return. David Moyes had hoped to line up the forward for a move to Old Trafford.
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Soon to be Blue? Diego Costa could be on his way to Stamford Bridge as part of a sensational swap deal
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Thumbs up: Any deal will see long-term loanee Thiabut Courtois stay at Atletico permanently
Costa has netted 19 goals in La Liga this season, second only to cross-city rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mourinho's top priority in the summer is to sign a striker, with the Portuguese ruling out making a move for a frontman in January.
The Blues wanted keeper Courtois to sign a new deal at the club he has never played for, but the Belgian has said he wants to be at for the club that owns him.
Courtois has previously said he will only return to Chelsea to be the Blues No 1 keeper ahead of stalwart Petr Cech.
'It is not up to me to say I am going to be No 1,' Courtois said. 'But neither do I want to go to a team and not play. I want to play, if not at Chelsea, then at another team.
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Building a side: Jose Mourinho sees bagging a striker as maximum priority for his team next season
'I know that Atletico want to make an effort to sign me, but it depends on Chelsea, on what they want and how much they are going to ask,' Courtois said.
'First my agent is going to talk with Chelsea to see when I can speak with someone there, and from there we can take another step.
'Now Atleti are waiting until Chelsea says something. Maybe by the end of March, more or less.'
With Cech still performing for the Blues, a swap deal would be very attractive for the London side due to the FFP regulations.
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Throw it away: Courtois will only rejoin Chelsea if he is the No 1 keeper ahead of long-serving Petr Cech
original post found here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2546679/Chelsea-agree-swap-deal-Atletico-hitman-Costa-star-keeper-Courtois-staying-Spain.html
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