Atletico in talks over Costa return – Cerezo

Atletico Madrid are in talks to bring Diego Costa back to the club from Chelsea, according to president Enrique Cerezo.

The Spain international left the Vicente Calderon in a £32million deal in 2014 and scored 21 goals in a superb first season in London, as Chelsea claimed the Premier League and League Cup.

However, persistent injury problems and inconsistent form blighted his second season in England, and Cerezo suggested this week that Atleti would be keen to bring him back to the Vicente Calderon to reignite his career.

And the 68-year-old has now claimed that discussions with the forward are ongoing, as part of Atleti’s overall recruitment drive.

“We like him. We’re talking, we’re working on various players,” he told Gazzamercato.

Diego Simeone’s side have also been linked with moves for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca and Inter captain Mauro Icardi, as well as a possible mega-money bid for Gonzalo Higuain.

Cerezo, however, says Atleti will not be signing any forwards from Serie A.

“Bacca is a very important player, but we’re not going to buy him. He’s not in our plans,” he added.

“Neither will we sign any other striker from the Italian league. Not Higuain, nor any of the other names which are circulating.”

As for Icardi, he added: “His name is not on our agenda.”