Jose Mourinho Recruited Former Midfielder Tiago to Convince Diego Costa to Leave Atletico Madrid

Jose Mourinho enlisted former Chelsea star Tiago Mendes to help convince Diego Costa to move to Stamford Bridge , offering the Portuguese midfielder the incentive of his own move to west London to help seal the deal, reports in Spain claim.

Tiago played under Mourinho during the 2004/05 season but after failing to hold down a first team role left Stamford Bridge to join Lyon for £6.5m before a spell at Juventus.

In 2009 the Portuguese international joined Atletico Madrid where he has since been a pivotal player for the club and manager Diego Simeone.

With his contract with the La Liga champions now expired, Tiago was offered a new deal at the Vicente Calderon last month but reportedly turned down the offer in order to move to Chelsea.

Although neither Chelsea or the 33-year-old have confirmed the move to west London Spanish newspaper AS understands he is poised to join the Blues as a free agent having already spent the summer 'working' as a recruiter for Mourinho.

AS claim the Portuguese star "has been instrumental in signing Diego Costa" and is still working towards convincing Filipe Luis and Manchester United target Joao Miranda to join Chelsea. Coincidentally, Tiago, Mourinho, Costa and Miranda are all represented by the same agent in Jorge Mendes.

The Spanish newspaper suggests Tiago's reward for his efforts this summer will see him handed a contract with the Blues this summer and a coaching role at the club when he decides to hang up his boots.

Tiago had reportedly been considering a lucrative move to Qatar but AS suggest he couldn't turn down the chance of a long-term role at Chelsea and will complete the move in the coming weeks.

While the midfielder may have convinced Filipe Luis to make the same trip to the capital, Chelsea must now agree a fee with Atletico. However, the La Liga champions are unwilling to listen any offers below his €24m release clause.