Chelsea striker Diego Costa is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a return to Atletico Madrid, despite being warned that he will not play until January.
The Spain international was denied the chance to make a big-money switch to the Chinese Super League by boss Antonio Conte earlier this year, instead staying at Stamford Bridge and helping his side over the line in the Premier League title race.
Costa has been told by Conte that he is now free to depart, however, and has previously outlined his intention to make an emotional move to Atleti, where he spent four years before joining Chelsea in 2014.
Atletico's transfer ban, which was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in June, has complicated matters slightly and appeared to be enough to prevent a transfer going through.
According to The Telegraph, though, all three parties are still happy to thrash out a deal, meaning that Costa will be left sitting in the stands until early in the New Year when the Spaniards are free to sign players.
It is claimed that Costa, who has won two Prem titles since joining for £32m, will be allowed to train with his new side as normal but a short-term loan move will not be permitted by the Rojiblancos.
Daniel Lewis
