Atletico Madrid are considering reimbursing Diego Costa for the cost of his fines as he continues his exile from Stamford Bridge.

Costa is currently holed up in his Brazilian hometown of Lagarto, where he this week told Sportsmail that he is prepared to take fine after fine from Chelsea after a major fall-out with manager Antonio Conte.

Reports on Spanish radio station Onda Cero stated that Atletico are now considering returning Costa's weekly £150,000 fines as the pressure mounts on Chelsea to sanction a transfer. The money would be paid after any deal is completed.

Diego Costa told Sportsmail that he is prepared to take fines from Chelsea during his exile

The Chelsea striker is currently in Brazil after a massive fall-out with manager Antonio Conte

Atletico believe that they can capitalise on the existing tension between Conte and the Chelsea board over transfers, combined with the team's poor start to the season on the pitch, to cut down the asking price and force through a deal this month.

Atletico want to pay a structured deal in the region of £40m while Chelsea are demanding in excess of £50m.

Costa told Sportsmail he will only join Atletico after Conte cut him adrift from the first team with an infamous text message. Costa also claims that Chelsea will force him to train with the reserve team if he returns from Brazil. He has already been fined £300k and that will continue as he stays away.

Costa said he would only join Atletico when spoke exclusively to Sportsmail's Adam Crafton

The Spain international is eyeing a return to Atletico and a reunion with boss Diego Simeone

Costa said: 'I've said "If the manager doesn't want me, the team I want to go to is Atletico Madrid.' I have rejected other offers. They want to sell me to China or other teams that. If I'm off, I'm going to the club I want to go to - not the club that's paying the most.'

'I want the deal with Atletico resolved this month. My idea would be to go to Madrid, train there, get in the best physical shape and be ready to fire ahead of the World Cup.

'(Diego) Simeone wants me. It is very clear. I have always had a bond with him. The fans and people love me there. They respect me. They see me as a person and a footballer.'