Benfica have gone public to deny reports of an agreement with Diego Costa.

Mundo Deportivo has reported former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Costa had reached an agreement in principle to join Jorge Jesus's side ahead of next season.

However, Benfica took the unusual step of refuting the claim in a club statement on Thursday.

"Benfica denies that any negotiations have taken place regarding the signing of forward Diego Costa," it read.

"The club reiterates that until the end of the season their entire footballing professional structure's focus will only be on the remaining ten games of the league season and the Taca de Portugal final."