Costa ‘not part of plans’ Antonio Conte's plans at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says Diego Costa was told in January he was not part of the club’s plans.

The 28-year-old Brazil-born forward has not travelled with the Blues squad for the pre-season tour of Asia, where they will play Arsenal in a friendly at the Bird’s Nest Stadium today (12.30pm, live on ITV) before heading to Singapore.

Costa is reported to be keen on a return to Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish club are currently banned from completing the signing of players until January 2018.