Chelsea linked with world record £127m Diego Costa sale

Chelsea have been linked with a world record deal to sell Spain international striker Diego Costa, according to journalist Johnny Severin.

The Premier League side, who currently sit top of the top-flight standings after defeating Swansea City 3-1 on Saturday afternoon, have reportedly told Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian that the in-form forward will cost them a whopping £127m this summer.

The 28-year-old, who has 14 international caps for his country, has scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 28 appearances in all competitions for The Blues so far this season – including Chelsea’s third and final strike against The Swans yesterday.

Costa, who arrived at Stamford Bridge back in July 2014 following his move from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, could help the Premier League side pocket a profit of almost £100m after signing the Spaniard for around £32m almost three years ago.

This potential summer deal would make Costa the world’s most expensive player ever, surpassing Paul Pogba’s £89m fee that saw the Frenchamn rejoin Manchester United from Juventus back in August.