Antonio Conte, Diego Costa 'to hold showdown talks next week'

Chelsea striker Diego Costa could yet remain at Stamford Bridge as he is willing to hold showdown talks with boss Antonio Conte next week over his future.

The Spain international looked certain to depart the champions after Conte informed him via text message that he was not in his plans for next season, despite leading the scoring charts in 2016-17.

Costa made clear that the only side he will join this summer is Atletico Madrid, who were said to be close to finalising a move for their former striker earlier this week.

According to The Mirror that is no longer the case, however, as the 28-year-old is having second thoughts about sitting in the stands until the New Year, when Atleti - under a transfer ban - will be free to register any new players.

It emerged on Friday evening that Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race for Romelu Lukaku, but it remains to be seen which side the Belgian will choose and the Blues are unwilling to offload Costa at this stage.

Talks are therefore said to be planned between Costa and Conte next week, with the hope of reaching an agreement for the ex-Atletico ace to remain in place for the next 12 months before then moving on.