Manchester United Transfer News: Diego Costa Has Better Options Than Red Devils

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa must reject links to Manchester United, given his fine goalscoring form this season.

The Brazilian-born striker is reportedly the subject of interest from United, Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Sky Sports:

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Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero insists that Diego Costa will not be departing for England this month.

Reports in England have claimed that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all contemplating paying his buy-out clause of 38 million euros, which currently equates to over £31 million.

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United have reportedly already scouted Costa, as reported by Dominic King in the Daily Mail, leading to speculation that they are serious about signing him.

Lee Roden of Talksport is baffled by reports that Costa needs to be scouted; such is his prolific form this season.

But with United out of the Premier League title race and struggling to mount a challenge for Champions League qualification, Costa has far better prospects if he decides to leave Atletico Madrid.

With Atleti positioning themselves as serious contenders in La Liga and the Champions League, it may not be a wise decision for Costa to leave the Estadio Vicente Calderon at all.

Diego Simeone has constructed the season's surprise package, and with the job only half done, Costa would be mad to leave before finding out how much he can achieve with Atletico.

A major factor in Costa's form is the fact that Simeone has set his side up to revolve around the strong target man. He would be far better suited to seeing out the campaign in a team built to his needs than a new division where he would be required to adjust.

In addition, his appearances for Atletico in the Champions League would rule him out of appearing for another side in the competition this campaign.

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A move to the Premier League as the leading man with either Arsenal or Chelsea may be a more realistic prospect in the summer, but not United where a major rebuilding operation could limit the potential of one of global football's current biggest stars.

The presence of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck also presents a stumbling block over any potential move to Old Trafford, as United are well-stocked in the striking department, whereas a switch to Stamford Bridge or the Emirates would likely see Costa become the focal point of their attacking unit.

After choosing to represent Spain at international level, over Brazil where he was born, Costa could cap a fine season at the 2014 World Cup.

An impressive showing during the tournament would give the 25-year-old the pick of Europe's top clubs and earn Atletico a far bigger fee than they would earn now.