Diego Costa 'Taking Satisfaction' over Complicating Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku Move

Diego Costa is reportedly "taking satisfaction" in making Chelsea's pursuit of Romelu Lukaku more difficult by refusing a move to the Chinese Super League. 

According to the Mirror's David Anderson, Chelsea are trying to offload the striker, but their inability to do so is "complicating" their move for Everton's Lukaku.

Costa is unhappy with his treatment by manager Antonio Conte after being informed he did not feature in the Italian's plans and is seemingly enjoying his "revenge" on the coach, with whom he is engaged in "all-out war."

Conte reportedly broke the news to Costa by text last month, and their relationship has been strained since:

The Spain striker wants to decide his own future and does not wish to move to China. After struggling to settle in London during his three years at Chelsea, he hopes to return to Atletico Madrid, but Los Rojiblancos cannot register him until January because of their transfer ban.

According to The Times, the Blues are in competition with Manchester United for Lukaku's signature this summer.

ESPN FC's Mark Worrall believes Everton's valuation of the Belgian has been the sticking point in the deal, rather than Costa:

Indeed, Lukaku is set to command an enormous fee if he moves on this summer, and no deal of that size is likely to be straightforward.

That said, the Blues were likely hoping to move Costa on early to help fund such a move, so their failure to offload him thus far isn't ideal.

According to Anderson, Costa's reason for turning down what would be a lucrative move to China is—along with his desire to return to the Spanish capital, where he believes he would be happier—that he does "not think the culture and lifestyle in the Far East would suit him."