Diego Costa has turned down lucrative offers from Chinese Super League sides Shanghai SIPG and Tianjin Quanjian on loan.
As reported by The Sun, Shanghai SIPG and Tianjin Quanjian both discussed the deal with the Brazilian striker’s agent Jorge Mendes during their mid-season transfer window, which has now closed.
However, The Sun claimed that Costa was reluctant to play in China with the Spain international keen on returning to his former club Atletico Madrid.
A source in China said: “Shanghai thought they had reached an agreement but were then told that Costa had decided he didn’t want to come.
“It is surprising because he would have been able to stay fit, play games and be in the best condition for January if he were to go to Atletico Madrid.”
There has been growing speculation that Costar urged Atletico to bring him back to Spain, but the La Liga side are struggling to meet the £50m fee Chelsea demanded.