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If there was any doubt whatsoever that Diego Costa was on his way out of Chelsea for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, the Spaniard’s comments after an international friendly would have cleared that lingering hesitation.
Speaking to the media after a 2-2 draw against Colombia, Costa did not hold back, saying he had had a terrible season working with manager Antonio Conte who had also told him that he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
For those doubting #Costa story...and with an ability to speak Spanish. Video here https://t.co/mkLqlUPNDM Will post full article soon
— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) June 7, 2017
“My relationship with the coach has been bad this season. I suppose I’ve had a bad season so I can’t go on.
“I’m going to be honest, the other day, Conte sent me a message saying he does not count on me for next season, so I’ll have to find a way out.
“I love living in Madrid, but I have to think about my future. It’s complicated because I cannot go four or five months without playing. I have no preference for a league, I just want to play.”
How any of this is relevant to Everton fans? Well, if Costa is on his way out and Michy Batshuayi has already expressed his frustration about being used in a bit-part role, then that just about signs, seals and delivers a Romelu Lukaku transfer to Chelsea.
Lukaku left the London club after refusing to play second fiddle, and with Conte’s side having qualified for the Champions League, this works perfectly for the Belgian’s ambitions of contending for titles and playing in the top European competition as well.
It appears that Costa has the same condition whereby he feels compelled to blather on to international media that Lukaku apparently also suffers from - just yesterday the Everton striker said -
"I don't want to stay at the same level. I want to improve and I know where I want to do that.
"We are now talking to the club. I know what's happening, but I will leave the talks to my agent.
"I know what's happening, but I can't tell you anything more.
"What I would like most is to play in the Champions League and try to win the Premier League once. Or better - a few times."
Now if Everton feel like working out a deal with the Londoners along the lines of £70m plus Batshuayi, we’ll be very glad to sell them Lukaku, his attitude and entourage as well.