Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that he does not regret missing out on the signing of Everton's Romelu Lukaku during the summer due to Diego Costa's impressive form.
The Belgium international looked likely to depart Goodison Park in the off-season after asking to leave, with former club Chelsea and German giants Bayern Munich among those thought to have been interested.
Lukaku decided to stay in place on Merseyside for at least another year, however, and has scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances to once again prove his worth to Everton.
Conte is adamant that missing out on the prolific forward matters far less thanks to the scoring form of "complete player" Costa, who has himself hit the ground running this term with eight league goals of his own.
Asked if he regrets the failed capture, the former Juventus boss said: "No, absolutely not. We have Diego who is playing fantastic football, not only scoring the goals but working a lot and very well for the team.
"I think that I'm seeing a complete player in Diego. It's fantastic for me, for the team, to have him in the team. When we have our strikers, Eden [Hazard], Pedro, Willian and Oscar - all working so well for the team, it's fantastic.
"I have nothing to regret. Lukaku is a very good player, young and improving a lot, but it's right to talk about my players. I'm very satisfied with my players. I hope Diego continues in this way because his commitment is incredible."
Everton take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon - a ground that they have failed to win at in 21 attempts.
Daniel Lewis
