Diego Costa has reinforced his stance of not returning to Chelsea by calling in the removal men to his Surrey home.

The Premier League champions have ordered the Spain striker to return to the club despite the spat that has overshadowed their summer.

But Costa is refusing to report back to the club’s Cobham HQ, instead choosing to train alone in his native Brazil.

Diego Costa has refused to report to Chelsea training and wants a move to Atletico Madrid

And Costa has started the process of moving his belongings out of his English base, a clear sign he has no intention of coming back to England. The rebel striker has also had his utilities discontinued.

Costa has made it clear he only wants to join Atletico Madrid, and will remain on strike until Chelsea grant him his wish.

The Spanish club are preparing a £50million offer for Costa, but Chelsea want £60m for a player they signed from Atletico for £32m.

Costa told Sportsmail earlier this month that he felt he was being treated like a criminal

Atletico are reluctant to enter the stand-off between Costa and Chelsea, but the Premier League club want to keep the lines of communication open as they look to end the ugly saga.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have identified Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye as an alternative to Danny Drinkwater as manager Antonio Conte looks to replace Nemanja Matic.

Leicester’s £40million asking price for Drinkwater is proving a major stumbling block in Chelsea’s attempt to sign the midfielder.

Chelsea have identified Everton's Idrissa Gueye as an alternative to Danny Drinkwater

And Gueye is emerging as an option for Chelsea if they can’t secure a deal for Drinkwater.

The Senegal international interested Conte earlier in the summer but with the club focussed on signing Romelu Lukaku, who eventually joined Manchester United, from Everton they cooled their interest knowing it would be far more difficult to sign two players from Goodison Park.

Everton would be reluctant to sell the 27-year-old but a big offer could tempt the Toffees.