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Diego Costa’s days at Stamford Bridge seems to be numbered since he irked Chelsea manager Antonio Conte via text message some weeks ago.

The Chelsea forward has been told by Conte that he is no longer part of his plans and the 28-year-old has admitted that he will have to leave Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international has been heavily linked with a return to Atletico Madrid after admitting he would be open to rejoin his former club.

However, a transfer back to Madrid has been cast into doubt with the La Liga giants unable to sign new players until January due to a transfer ban.

Chelsea have reportedly begun talks with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of Costa, who Chelsea bought just three seasons ago from Atletico Madrid for £32m.

There are worries that Costa’s transfer value has dropped since the text message incident but chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia apparently wants £50m for him as she wants Chelsea to play hardball over his transfer and get as much as possible.