Chelsea: Blues reject Atletico Madrid approach for striker Diego Costa

Chelsea have rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid for striker Diego Costa, who has had a relatively low-key season thus far for the reigning Premier League champions. The Brazilian-born Spanish international has struggled for form this campaign after spearheading Chelsea's successful title challenge last season.

According to the Mirror, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is keen on taking the striker back to his former hunting ground after seeing him being quite unhappy at Stamford Bridge this season, which resulted in more than one incident with Jose Mourinho, who has since been sacked by Chelsea. Guus Hiddink has replaced the Portuguese manager following their poor start to the season, which sees them in 14<sup>th place with 23 points from 20 games, but is unlikely to hold the position beyond the end of the current season.

The reigning champions, however, are reluctant to let the striker leave the club and have dismissed the Spanish capital club's interest in Costa. Simeone is one of the west London club's preferred candidates to take over the permanent role from next season, and his interest in the former Atletico frontman proves that he will still have a future at the Bridge should the Argentine takeover.

Costa has struggled to replicate last season's form, which saw him score 20 league goals, managing just six goals this term. The 27-year-old forward, however, looks to be getting back to his best, as he has scored three goals in as many games since the Dutchman's arrival. Chelsea are also keen to strengthen their forward line and have been linked to the Spanish league leaders' out-of-favour striker Jackson Martinez, but it is unlikely that a move will materialise unless the La Liga outfit sign a replacement during the ongoing January transfer window.