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Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted he may be powerless to stop star striker Diego Costa joining Chelsea in the summer.
Costa has been the standout player in Atletico's exceptional season to date, with his 26 goals in 31 Primera Division matches giving his side an excellent chance of winning their first league title since the 1995-96 campaign.
It is therefore unsurprising that the Brazil-born Spain international has attracted the attention of several leading European clubs, and Jose Mourinho's Blues are reportedly at the front of the queue.
It would take a substantial offer for Atletico to contemplate selling their prize asset although Simeone believes Costa will ultimately decide his own future.
"It depends on him and what he believes is best for his future. I will support any decision," the Argentinian told AS.
"It is normal that Chelsea are interested in him. They have good economic potential. (Samuel) Eto'o is getting older and Diego Costa can do his work, but right now he's ours."
Show all 21 1 /21Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Edinson Cavani Another striker linked with Chelsea as they look to bolster their front line, the Uruguayan may have only recently joined PSG but that won't stop rumours about him moving from flying around all summer. Particularly if he impresses at the World Cup in Brazil where he will be coming up against England in the group stages.
Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Radamel Falcao The Colombian surprised many with his move to Monaco last season but it would not surprise many if he moved on again this summer. Chelsea are one of many clubs reportedly keen to bring him in. He has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Toni Kroos One player who's been creating transfer rumours for a while is Toni Kroos. The German has been linked with a move to Manchester United as his contract talks with Bayern Munich stall. Whether Kroos is simply exploiting United's need for midfield improvements simply to improve his Bayern contract remains to be seen. His superb goals against Arsenal at the Emirates the last two years running highlight just what a talent the Germany international is.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Victor Valdes For some reason Victor Valdes wants to leave Barcelona this summer and Liverpool, Manchester City and Monaco have all been linked with his signature. A recent injury that saw him miss the end of the season and the World Cup could change things, with the Spaniard potentially choosing to stay until his recuperation is over.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Paul Pogba Juventus are set to offer Paul Pogba a new contract according to some reports, however his £40m buyout clause must be tempting to some, former club Manchester United included. Comes with something of a reputation however, so would be a gamble.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Fabio Coentrao The Portuguese left back nearly joined Manchester United in January and with the Premier League bracing itself for a flurry of activity in that particular position, Coentrao could be one man in line for a move. Particularly as he has struggled for appearances at Real Madrid this term.
Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Mario Balotelli Why always linked with transfers? For one reason or another, Super Mario is one man constantly in the transfer spotlight with a potential reuniting with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea being mooted by some while other reports suggesting he has been offered to Arsenal for £30m.
Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Arturo Vidal The self-styled 'best in the world' in his role, has had a great season with Juventus and consequently finds himself in the sights of Real Madrid and Manchester United United according to reports. A good World Cup with Chile will only boost the likelihood of some offers.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Sergio Aguero It seems unlikely that Aguero is likely to quit Manchester City but following his continuing excellence at the club, the Argentine forward reportedly remains a target for Real Madrid who might be the one club capable of luring him away from the Etihad. Them and Barcelona, who his father says would be difficult for Aguero to turn down.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Iker Casillas Synonymous with Real Madrid for so long, Casillas fell out of favour with first Jose Mourinho and now Carlo Ancelotti and a summer move seems likely. Where the Spanish captain will go is less clear. Barcelona will be in need of a new keeper, but surely that move won't happen? Arsenal are another club reportedly interested in finding a new number one.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Shinji Kagawa So exciting to watch at Dortmund, Kagawa has failed to shine at Old Trafford and has struggled to earn a first team place this season. Many blame the manager but few could complain if the Japanese star was keen to move on this summer. A return to Dortmund is a possibility.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Eliaquim Mangala It seems like almost every top European club is looking to reinforce the centre of its defence at the moment and consequently Eliaquim Mangala could be in high demand. The Porto centre-back's value meanwhile is going up and up.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Julian Draxler Julian Draxler has featured heavily in recent transfer windows and looks set to do so again this summer with Arsenal once again linked with the German star. The Germany international has signalled he's open to a move away from Schalke.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Luis Suarez Liverpool's Suarez-inspired league form and subsequent Champions League qualification may help keep the Uruguayan on Merseyside, however rumours of a move to a bigger club will still persist this summer. Particularly when it seems whenever the striker returns to his native Uruguay he forgets about his affection for the Reds. An impressive World Cup, if he recovers from an injury in time, will only fuel speculation.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Jackson Martinez Porto's Colombian striker is seemingly always mentioned in transfer gossip pages and this summer looks set to be no different. With Falcao set to miss the World Cup, this tournament could be Martinez's chance to really show himself off on the world stage with Colombia.
Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Mateo Musacchio A free agent in June, which means a host of clubs could be interested in the 23-year-old centre-back. Manchester United are one of those reportedly keen on the Villarreal player.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Nicklas Bendtner The 'Great Dane' is out of contract in the summer and if we are to believe the man himself then a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona beckons. A switch to Sunderland or Stoke might be more likely.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer William Carvalho Another player plying his trade in Portugal that is causing a bit of a stir. The 21-year-old is at Sporting Lisbon for the moment but a bumper offer could see him on his way. Fees in the region of £37m have been mooted for the defensive midfielder, with Manchester United one of those reportedly ready to stump up the cash.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Josip Drmic There could be a battle on Merseyside between Liverpool and Everton for this young striker. The 21-year-old is currently playing for Nürnberg in the Bundesliga, and having already scored a couple of goals for Switzerland at international level, is a rising star.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Yann M'Vila The France international has for so long been linked with a move to the Premier League that it's almost as if he's here already. But he's not, he's in Russia with Rubin Kazan. But that might not be the case after this summer for the 23-year-old with Liverpool in particular linked with the defensive midfielder.
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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer Fernando Torres They might have paid £50m for him, but Torres' days at Chelsea look numbered. Jose Mourinho has done anything but offer a ringing endorsement for the Spaniard and with the Blues linked with just about every striker going, Torres should move on. Despite his problems in front of goal, there won't be a shortage of suitors. Inter Milan have been linked as have his former club Atletico Madrid.
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Costa will be hoping to showcase his talents against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, a clash that has been made more intriguing by the prospect of the Blues' own goalkeeper turning out for Atletico.
Thibaut Courtois is on loan at Atletico for a third successive season and Chelsea insist he will be free to play against them, in line with UEFA rules, as the clubs compete for a place in the May 24 final in Lisbon against Real Madrid or defending champions Bayern Munich.
It was reported that Chelsea would allow the Spanish side to play the Belgian in both legs of the semi, provided they paid a fee of around 3million euros for each game.
However, UEFA moved to clarify that it expects Courtois to be free to face the Blues in both legs and Simeone has no doubt that the 21-year-old will be available for selection.
"I have no doubt that he will play against Chelsea. He also has no doubts. Not a concern," Simeone said.
There has been some suggestion Courtois could be used as a makeweight if Chelsea do pursue their interest in Costa, but Simeone does not know whether the Belgian's future lies at the Vicente Calderon.
"It is not yet know where he will play next year," he added.
PA
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