Diego Costa is closing in on a move to China that will see become the best-paid player in world football.
Tianjin Quanjian believe they have an agreement in principle to complete a stunning £75million deal for the Chelsea forward this summer having failed with an attempted swoop in January.
Sportsmail revealed on April 20 how Tianjin, who are managed by Fabio Cannavaro, were plotting a second bid for Costa.
And the Chinese club are now confident of making the money-spinning signing in the coming weeks.
If, as expected, the switch is ratified, Costa will become the highest paid player on the planet – earning an eye-watering £620,000-per-week after tax.
Photographs emerged last week of Costa meeting with super-agent Jorge Mendes, at which Tianjin officials were understood to be present.
Suggestions that Costa has already signed a deal are premature, but provided there are no last-minute hitches the Spain striker seems certain to sign.
Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge has been under a shadow ever since January, when the club turned down Tianjin’s approach.
The former Atletico Madrid striker also had a bust-up with manager Antonio Conte amid concerns over his fitness.
Conte will use the money recouped from Costa’s sale by bolstering his squad ahead of next season.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku is wanted by Chelsea, while they are also chasing Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, who are likely to cost a combined total of in-excess of £100m.
