Chinese club confirm talks over Diego Costa

The owner of Tianjin Quanjian says his club were keen to sign Chelsea’s Diego Costa

The owner of Tianjin Quanjian has admitted holding talks with agent Jorge Mendes, over a move for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

The newly-promoted Chinese Super League outfit are hoping to make a splash in the CSL this season, and have already signed Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, with Fabio Cannavaro the club’s new coach.

Costa was dropped by Chelsea for the weekend trip to Leicester after a bust-up with Antonio Conte, amid suggestions that a £570,000-offer is on the table for the Spain international.

Now owner Shu Yuhui has confirmed that they are ready to spend mega-money on a move for a big-name striker - and that the 14-goal Premier League top scorer is at the top of their list.

“I made an appointment with Mendes and he came to my hometown to visit me. At that time, we were interested in signing Costa,” he added.

“PSG told us Cavani would only be allowed to leave in June, even though the player himself was willing to join us. The same can be said for Costa because Chelsea would only let him leave in June. However, the new season of CSL will almost reach the halfway stage in June, we can’t wait so long.”

Additionally, Shu confirmed offers for both Karim Benzema and Radamel Falcao, as well as Benfica forward Raul Jimenez.