Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is fighting his board over the future of Diego Costa.
The Sun says Conte has personally pleaded with the club's top brass to come up with a deal which will see the striker remain at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian coach believes Costa to be “irreplaceable" as he faces up to the dual challenge for domestic and Champions League honours next term.
An offer of around £60million for the 28-year-old to move to China has been on the table since January.
It's also been revealed Atletico Madrid have asked Costa's people to keep them informed of developments.
Discussions on Costa's future with his agent, Jorge Mendes, are scheduled to take place after next weekend's FA Cup final.