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Chelsea have begun talks with Atletico Madrid over £50million Diego Costa — even though a transfer ban means the striker cannot play for them until 2018.

The Spanish giants have made their move to re-sign a man they sold to the Blues three years ago, with manager Antonio Conte adamant that he will not play for him again.

Should Atletico reach agreement with the new Premier League champions, they would loan Costa out for the first half of next season before registering him in the New Year.

(Image: PA Wire)

The 28-year-old Spain international is keen to have his future sorted out quickly, as he is well aware that if he returns for Chelsea’s pre-season trip to the Far East next month he will be frozen out.

The Blues had intended to sell him this summer anyway, but were concerned Conte’s premature text to dump the divisive firebrand would affect his transfer value.

They still intend to drive a hard bargain for a player who has scored 20 goals in two of the last three seasons, each time proving pivotal in their title successes.

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Chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia is said to want £50million for Costa, despite controversial interviews which were feared to have wiped millions off his price-tag.

It comes with the West Londoners hoping soon to announce that they have agreed a new four-year deal with boss Conte, worth £9.6m a year, to end the uncertainty over his position.