Report: Chelsea determined to keep Diego Costa after positive talks with Conte

Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has held some heart-to-heart talks with embattled striker Diego Costa in a bid to persuade the Spain international to remain at Stamford Bridge, according to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield.

While spending four days at the club's Cobham training ground to assess the squad he will inherit in a few months' time, Conte tried to convince Costa that he has a major role to play in the Blues' future plans. The Italian clearly admires the battling nature of the 27-year-old forward, who is reportedly growing more and more frustrated with the media in England.

Costa still has three years left on his current Chelsea contract, but a move to Atletico Madrid or China could yet tempt him. Financial difficulties may scupper a summer return to the Vicente Calderon, with Atleti president Enrique Cerezo admitting that negotiations would be "really difficult, almost impossible."

Money is no object for the Chinese Super League clubs, which could offer as much as double the £32-million fee Chelsea paid to secure Costa's services in 2014.

Report: Chelsea's combative Costa considering Chinese change

But the Chelsea board has no desire to sell, according to Fifield, and Conte is apparently willing to give the controversial forward - who has failed to meet expectations this term with 11 goals in 24 appearances - a chance to rediscover himself in the Premier League next season.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Nemanja Matic, and disappointment Eden Hazard also met with the former Juventus boss to discuss their future with the club, but there were no indications as to whether Conte would push to sign captain John Terry to an extension. Terry's deal expires in the summer, and the 35-year-old has conceded that he could part ways with the only professional club he has known upon the conclusion of this season.

The incumbent Italy coach will return to London before Euro 2016 to finalise his decisions, according to Fifield.

However, Conte has drafted a list of potential transfer targets even in the event that Costa stays. Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain, and Everton's Romelu Lukaku are foremost on the agenda, with Juan Cuadrado also expected to rejoin Chelsea after a season-long loan spell at Juventus.