AC Milan are becoming increasingly confident they can win the battle for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

The London Evening Standard says Milan are growing in confidence that they can convince Costa to join them rather than return to Atletico Madrid.

Milan want to sign Costa on a permanent basis and have been in talks with his agent Jorge Mendes.

The Serie A club had previously only been considered by Mendes as a possible venue for a short-term loan for Costa until joining Atletico Madrid permanently in January, when their Fifa transfer ban expires.

Costa had made a move back to Atletico, who sold him to Chelsea for £32m in 2014, his only option this summer.

AC Milan are determined to buy a big name striker during the close season having already spent over £150m on 10 new players.