Atletico and Chelsea have begun formal discussions over the transfer of Diego Costa, according to The Mirror.

The move appeared to be dead in the water after Atletico's transfer ban was recently upheld, meaning they could not sign players until January 2018.

However, with the interest between the club and Costa so strong, Los Rojiblancos has thought of another way to get their man.

Instead, Atletico will purchase Costa from Chelsea and then loan him to another club on a short-term basis. The 28-year old will then return to Madrid and be registered to play for Atleti in January.

Chief negotiator for the Blues, Marina Granovskaia, is insisting on a fee of £50m for the Spain international.

Costa scored 43 La Liga goals in 94 outings for Atletico before joining Chelsea in 2014.