It would appear that Diego Costa is not going to China after all

Diego Costa has been linked with a move to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian since January, with some reports going as far as to claim that a pre-agreement has been made with the Chelsea striker to make him the highest paid player in the world. And while Costa himself had recently hinted that such a move is far from a formality still, Tianjin have continued to tease a big summer signing assumed to be the Chelsea striker.

Now, that assumption looks to be crumbling under the weight of the latest official statement from Tianjin.

“For the past six months, our club have not involved in any form of communication and negotiation with Diego Costa nor his representatives. Our club will draw up a rational transfer plan as an aim to improve the spectator experience of the Chinese Super League and meet its sustainability demands. We won’t take part in any unhealthy competition, thus preventing all overpriced signings.”

-Tianjin Quanjian official statement; source: Football.London

Chelsea were asking possibly as much as €150m for Costa, though it’s tough to feel sorry for Tianjin considering it was their league’s previous signings that have driven up prices and demands to unreasonable levels.

Tianjin’s claim that they haven’t been in contact with Costa’s representatives seems to be flying in the face of the previous rumors. Who knows what we can and can’t believe at this point. But combined with the latest rumors about renewed Atletico interest, Costa’s future certainly looks a lot closer to home, be that in London or Madrid.

Source:weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com