Diego Simeone hints at January return to Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has refused to rule out a move for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

Widespread reports claimed that the Spain international had his heart set on a return to the La Liga outfit after being told that he was no longer wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte reportedly informed Costa via text message that he was not in the Italian's plans for the upcoming season.

Atletico were linked to the striker straight away, but the club's transfer embargo, which allows them to sign players but not register them until January 2018, has caused problems.

AC Milan have now emerged as contenders for Costa's signature, but Simeone was coy when asked about Atletico's interest.

During a press conference, the manager told reporters: "We talk about the players who are here and how the team has been working to keep all the players here.

"All the players want to stay, they want to achieve even better goals and get even better. Diego Costa? If he comes in January... We can't say anything about that yet."

When asked to clarify his remarks, Simeone replied: "No. I won't speak about him now. He is a player of Chelsea. We will talk about the boys who are here now. That is what is important."

Costa spent four years at Atletico before joining Chelsea in 2014.