Everton are getting serious about a deal for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

The Mirror says Ronald Koeman confirmed this week that he would be open to taking the stroppy Brazilian to Goodison Park.

Koeman has been canvassing opinion behind the scenes among his staff as to whether it is worth taking a punt on the striker.

Costa is currently in a stand-off with the Premier League champions and there little chance of boss Antonio Conte accepting him back into the fold.

He wants to join Atletico Madrid – a switch that cannot take place until January because of the transfer embargo in place at the Spanish club.

But Koeman wants to take him in now and is willing to sanction a temporary deal.