Chelsea Transfer News: Atletico Eyeing Spurs and City Stars to Replace Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid are eyeing Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Diego Costa, according to reports.

Negredo, who joined City from Sevilla in July, began the season successfully but suddenly lost his place in the starting line-up in favour of Edin Dzeko.

According to the Mirror, Los Rojiblancos are monitoring the Spaniard as their potential frontman ahead of the summer transfer window, as Costa is all-but-certain to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, although Negredo has lost his place at the Etihad, it seems unlikely that Manuel Pellegrini's side will countenance the departure of the Spain international just a year after luring him from Andalucia.

In case the Negredo move fails, Atletico are also keeping tabs on Tottenham's Roberto Soldado, who is thought to be keen to return to Spain after failing to impress at White Hart Lane.

Diego Simeone's side tried to sign Soldado last season but Spurs out-bid them, and they ended up buying David Villa from Barcelona – who will also leave the Vicente Calderon, having reached an agreement with New York City FC.

Jose Mourinho hopes to complete the deal for Costa before the World Cup, where the striker is expected to lead Spain's attack.

If the transfer goes ahead as planned, the Brazilian-born forward - the inspiration behind Atletico's success in La Liga this season - will follow in the footsteps of stars such as Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao in swapping the Calderon for richer clubs.