Report: Fenerbahce sounds out Diego Costa over potential loan move

Fenerbahce has reportedly launched an ambitious bid to sign unsettled Chelsea striker Diego Costa on loan.

The Istanbul side opened negotiations recently with Costa's people over a potential move, a source told the BBC's Simon Stone. A deal remains unlikely, but talks are apparently ongoing.

Monaco, Marseille, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan were all allegedly in the running for the Brazil-born poacher, but Chelsea failed to find him a new employer before the end of the transfer window.

Even though manager Antonio Conte told Costa earlier in the summer that he no longer figured into his plans, the club made it difficult for the player to leave. Costa pushed for a deal to be struck with Atletico, but the Spanish side's transfer ban and Chelsea's high asking price appeared to complicate matters.

The Turkish transfer window is open until Friday night, meaning Fenerbahce still has time to convince Costa and Chelsea.

The Italian boss had offered hope that he and Costa could reconcile their differences when he included the Spanish international in his 25-man Premier League squad, but later undid any goodwill by excluding Costa from his Champions League outfit.

The 28-year-old, who retreated to his native Brazil during his self-imposed exile, last played in a competitive match in a June 11 qualifier against Macedonia.