Diego Costa Transfer Rumours: Latest News on the Atletico Madrid Star

As the January transfer window enters its final furlong, prepare for an intense week of bidding, trading and enquiring. Naturally, there will be healthy dollops of rumour and speculation, with the fates of some of the world’s finest players hovering in the balance.

Diego Costa is one such name.

Throughout the last month, Bleacher Report has tracked the rumours and news surrounding the Spanish international’s immediate future. Numerous elite clubs have been associated with his signature, but as yet, not one has succeeded in recruiting him.

This transfer tracker will keep you up to date with the changing state of play during these final stages of the transfer window. 

Chelsea Reach ‘Verbal Agreement’

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Chelsea have been in hot pursuit of Diego Costa throughout the window, and according to Ben Jefferson of the Express, the Blues have finally snared their man.

Jefferson alludes to "reports in Spain" which suggest that Jose Mourinho’s team have agreed to meet the player’s £32 million buyout clause at the end of the season.

This means that while the former Brazil man won’t be seen in the Premier League for a few months yet, he is set to arrive in the summer.

For now, the details aren’t clear. It is also unknown whether young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be included as part of the deal. The Belgian is in his second year on loan in Madrid and is a particularly valuable asset for both clubs. 

United Send Scouts

Jon Super/Associated Press

However, without anything being confirmed publicly, is there a window of opportunity for one of Costa’s suitors to step in?

According to Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, Manchester United are intending to do just that.

Buoyed by the reaction to the recent £37.1 million transfer of Juan Mata, Red Devils boss David Moyes has promised greater activity in the market. Could Costa be one of the figures he is intending to recruit?

Ladyman reported that the club sent scouts to Spain on Sunday to watch Atletico’s 4-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano. As well as Costa, United are thought to be targeting left-back Filipe Luis.