Atletico chief: Diego Costa return 'almost impossible'

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has played down reports that Diego Costa could be set to return to the Spanish capital this summer, admitting that negotiating with Chelsea is "almost impossible."

British tabloid newspaper columns have repeatedly been dedicated to the future of the Spaniard this season, with the most recent accounts claiming that Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain will be pursued by Chelsea to replace wantaway Costa.

Related - Report: Costa wants out of Chelsea; Conte targets Cavani, Higuain as replacement

"(Costa) has a contract with Chelsea," Cerezo said. "Often, no matter how much you want a player, there is a contract. To negotiate with Chelsea can be really difficult, almost impossible."

The 27-year-old penned a five-year deal when he joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for around £32 million in 2014, but endured a barren spell in front of goal earlier this season, and has had disciplinary issues throughout, fueling rumours of an impending exit for the aggressive attacker.

His suspension and injury struggles have paved the way for youngster Bertrand Traore and strikers previously on the periphery Loic Remy and Alexandre Pato to be handed opportunities.

Costa is still remembered fondly at the Vicente Calderon Stadium for his free-scoring second spell at the club between 2010 and 2014, a period which saw Atletico plunder the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and two UEFA Super Cups.

Cerezo did offer some encouraging words for the Rojiblancos faithful, however, speaking confidently about the future of its highly-rated gaffer Diego Simeone.

"I believe Simeone will be here a long time. When he leaves we will say it in a timely and orderly way," he continued.

"Simeone has changed this club completely. At the moment all the players want to play at Atletico Madrid, and all clubs want our players. Simeone is very important for players to come here."