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Serie A side AC Milan are interested in signing Diego Costa and they would only sign the 28-year-old striker only if he joins on a permanent deal according to a report on Evening Standard.

Costa wasn’t part of Chelsea’s preseason tour of Asia after being given extended time off by Chelsea to sort out a transfer.

Costa’s preferred destination is Atletico Madrid but he would be unable to play for the Spanish side until January due to a transfer ban from FIFA.

Chelsea want £50 million for Costa but Atletico Madrid aren’t close to Chelsea’s valuation of the striker.

AC Milan met with Costa’s agent Jorge Mendes last week to discuss a few of his clients, including the Chelsea forward and the Serie A side reportedly told Mendes that they’re not prepared to sign Costa on a temporary basis just so that he can then join Atletico.