- Premier League club Everton were on the brink of signing Diego Costa from Chelsea for £70million
- The Toffees were going to make the Spanish striker their record signing
- It was Costa that declined the move favouring a return to his former club Atletico Madrid
Premier League side Everton were willing to pay £70million for the services of Diego Costa before his switch to Atletico Madrid.
The Toffees indicated to Chelsea that they were willing to stump up the massive amount to sign the exiled striker who had gone AWOL.
Everton willing to pay £70million for Diego Costa before his Atletico Madrid switch
But the Spanish striker made it clear that he only wanted to go back to his former club.
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Everton boss Ronald Koeman had already landed Wayne Rooney from Manchester United but had failed in a bid to bring in Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud.
They are now interested in a January move for Benfica striker Raul Jimenez.
Koeman needed a brace on Saturday September 23 from one-time outcast Oumar Niasse to see off Bournemouth and take off the pressure already pilling up on him.
Costa is expected to be unveiled in present of the Spanish club fans within the next 48 hours and could even be paraded ahead of the club’s game against Chelsea on Wednesday September 27.
He has signed on an initial loan basis before the £59m deal is made permanent at the end of the season.
Atletico’s players have already made it clear that they fully endorse the recapture of the striker they regard as one of the best in the world.
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Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis said on Friday: “I say I am proud because a great effort has been made to bring one of the three best strikers in the world.
“Wherever he’s gone he has made history, he has been champion. He comes to triumph and fight for something big and make us all better around him.
“I’m very glad that my friend is back here and now we welcome him in the best possible way.”
Diego Costa is set to be unveiled before Los Rojiblancos fans in less than 48 hours, as he is set to meet with former boss Antonio Conte when Chelsea face Atletico Madrid in Champions League group stage fixtures.
Watch NAIJ.com video below of reactions to the team that will win the Champions League:
Source: Sports.naij.com
ROSY CREST
Monday, 25 September 2017