Conte told Costa to look for a move away from Chelsea this summer as he goes in search of a new centre-forward. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is the No.1 choice for Conte to lead the Blues into the Champions League next season. Costa is displeased with not being given a chance and thinks he has been treated unfairly by the Italian manager. "The fight for a place has to be fair," he said. "When there is a fair fight you stay and fight but if there isn't then you have to go."

ESPN Gabriele Marcotti says Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is happy his messages to Diego Costa are public

Chelsea line-up next season including Romelu Lukaku Tue, June 6, 2017 Romelu Lukaku looks set to join Chelsea, but how could he fit into the team with Diego Costa? Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 11 GK: Thibaut Courtois

Antonio Conte was perhaps concerned that Chelsea might um and ah over getting him his main striking target, which is Romelu Lukaku Gabriele Marcotti on Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

But Marcotti thinks that is rich coming from Costa after he wanted to leave the club for the Chinese Super League in the January transfer window. And he believes Conte is happy with the outcome of the situation with Costa so the club can go all out to sign Lukaku. "I think it's pretty straightforward," Marcotti said on ESPN FC. "Antonio Conte has come out and told him he is not part of his plans and he can look elsewhere. "As far as all this fair fight thing is concerned, it's a bit silly when you think back to events of last January when he was ready to jet off to China with the title at stake for Chelsea.

ESPN Gabriele Marcotti says Antonio Conte wants Diego Costa out of the way so he can sign Romelu Lukaku