Liverpool's Diego Costa Hopes Ended as Striker Signs New Atletico Madrid Deal

Liverpool’s chances of signing Diego Costa have effectively been ended after the striker struck a new deal with Atletico Madrid, the club’s website has confirmed (article in Spanish).

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers’ priority is to retain the services of Luis Suarez, and he has been firmly in the face of interest from Arsenal in his star striker—Sky Sports quoted the manager as saying:

"

I'm extremely confident that Luis will be here.

We're in total control of the situation as a club and that's how it will remain.

The owners have been brilliant. If it was another club needing the money or desperate for the money it could have been a different story.

"

Rodgers, though, has been on the lookout for a new striker, and Costa emerged as a target for Liverpool earlier in the summer, with the BBC reporting that a bid of £21 million had been tabled.

The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce claimed that the Reds’ offer triggered a release clause in Costa’s contract, which Pearce said fuelled confidence at Anfield that a deal could be struck.

Atletico, though, signalled their determination to keep hold of Costa, with sporting director Jose Luis Caminero telling Spanish newspaper AS, (via The Telegraph):

"

Diego Costa is a very important player for Atletico, we value him very highly and we are convinced that this year he is going to score a lot of goals with Atletico.

He is an idol for the fans. He's going to continue.

"

And Caminero has been true to his word, as Atletico’s website has confirmed Brazil international has committed to a new, three-year contract.