Costa stuck as FIFA bar Atletico from loan dodge

CHELSEA’S attempt to solve their problem with Diego Costa has been hit by a FIFA ruling preventing a transfer to Atletico Madrid followed by an immediate move on loan.

Atletico are banned from registering any new players until the end of the year as punishment for illegal transfer activity but, according to FIFA, have to register a player before he can be loaned out.

The 28-year- old Spain striker wants to leave London and manager Antonio Conte told him in a text message that he is not part of his plans.

Costa, however, is only interested in a return to Atletico, the club he left to join Chelsea in a £32million transfer in 2014.

He could rejoin Atletico and not play until January but such a long period of inactivity would damage his chances of playing for Spain in the World Cup.

Atletico are also reluctant to pay more than £ 20m for Chelsea’s top-scorer.

The idea of selling Costa elsewhere is remote because of his determination to consider only a move to Madrid and his wages, in excess of £200,000 a week, rule out most clubs, including AC Milan who showed initial interest. Keeping him at Chelsea for six months is risky. Costa, who has two more years on his contract at Stamford Bridge, is a popular figure in the dressing room and a festering row between Conte and a senior player will sour the atmosphere.

Chelsea need to find a solution while pursuing other targets such as Tiemoue Bakayoko — for whom they have agreed a £35m fee — Alex Sandro, Romelu Lukaku, Andrea Belotti, Virgil van Dijk and Leonardo Bonucci.