Chelsea want to slash manager Antonio Conte's compensation exit package over his clash with Diego Costa.

The Daily Star says Chelsea have taken legal advice over his handling of the sale of Diego Costa to see whether it was mismanaged.

The Italian dumped the Spain striker last summer, telling him in a text message he was no longer wanted.

Chelsea believe Conte's actions may potentially have devalued the value of Costa by millions of pounds as clubs were then alerted that he was no longer part of their plans.

Furious at Conte's treatment of him, Costa missed the first half of the season, despite being fit to play.

Conte is due a £9m pay-out for the final year of his contract. But the Blues feel they may be able to cut that amount if they can prove Conte mishandled the sale of Costa, who has three goals at the World Cup so far.