Chelsea still want £44m for Diego Costa after agreeing deal for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata

Chelsea are reportedly demanding £44m before offloading Spain international striker Diego Costa this summer, according to the Independent.

The Premier League champions, who finished seven points clear of runners-up Tottenham Hotspur in the top-flight standings last term, have been heavily linked with selling the forward after boss Antonio Conte texted the player that he was not going to be part of his plans ahead of the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The 28-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country, despite being born in Brazil, scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for The Blues last season.

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Real Madrid’s Morata.

Costa, who arrived at Stamford Bridge back in July 2014 following his reported £32m switch from Atletico Madrid, has netted an impressive 58 times in 120 games overall for Chelsea, winning two league titles and the League Cup.

However, after his club agreed a fee for Real Madrid hitman Alvaro Morata on Wednesday evening, believed to be around £60m, Chelsea are expected to offload fellow Spaniard Costa after ultimately finding his replacement.

The report suggests that manager Conte will hold out for £44m for his services, with Costa’s former club Atletico favourites to re-sign him.