Reports: Diego Costa close to Atletico Mineiro move

Chelsea's Diego Costa touches his torn shirt during their English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool [Reuters]

Diego Costa could return to his native Brazil to play with Atletico Mineiro, according to media reports in the South American country.

The 32-year-old's representatives are in advanced talks with Atletico officials and a decision could be announced within days, news outlet Globo Esporte said on Monday.

Costa has not played competitively since leaving Atletico Madrid in December. He has also been linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas.

If Atletico Mineiro succeed in their bid to woo Costa, he would be the fourth high-profile player to join the Belo Horizonte club this year. The others are former Porto and Shanghai SIPG star Hulk, Chilean forward Eduardo Vargas and Argentine playmaker Ignacio Fernandez.

The signings have helped Atletico climb to the top of the Brazilian Serie A standings and reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.

Costa has never played professionally in the country of his birth, having joined Portugal's Braga as a 17-year-old.

After two friendly appearances for Brazil, Costa gained Spanish citizenship in 2013 and made his debut for his adopted country the following year. He has played 24 times for the Roja and scored 10 goals.

 

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