Report: Costa asks to leave Chelsea for Atletico Madrid return

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Diego Costa has apparently told the Chelsea hierarchy that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge so he can re-join Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard is keen to return to his homeland, but won't personally force through a deal while he trusts the Blues' senior figures to do the right thing, according to reports from AS picked up by The Independent's Samuel Lovett.

Costa does want a move to be completed quickly, however, as he tries to turn his back on a 2015-16 season in which his productivity appeared hampered by incessant playacting and combative behaviour. Despite improved form following the dismissal of manager Jose Mourinho in December, Costa's return of 12 goals fell below expectations.

He has also struggled on the international stage, failing to make Spain's Euro 2016 squad following a derisory return of one goal over 10 caps.

Although the signing of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille would ensure Costa's route into the first XI isn't as untroubled as when he competed with the likes of Alexandre Pato and Radamel Falcao for a place, new manager Antonio Conte is believed to be a fan of the mischief magnet. The work ethic and experience that Costa brings could be valuable, and the strike force is still looking rather thin at Chelsea.

Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard refuted reports of Costa wanting to leave Chelsea on Monday, and says he continues to train hard during Conte's preseason preparations. The club tweeted a picture on Sunday which saw Costa jogging alongside John Terry, Willian, and others at Chelsea's camp in Austria.

In addition to Batshuayi, Chelsea pulled off a major coup in landing the tireless N'Golo Kante from league champion Leicester City this summer. The Blues begin their 2016-17 term with a visit from West Ham United on Aug. 15.