Chelsea forward Diego Costa is on the verge of re-signing for Atletico Madrid although the catch is he won’t be able to play a match until January 2018.

According to AS, it looks like Atletico coach Diego Simeone is keen to sign the Blues star – who enjoyed four successful years in Spain from 2010-14.

But, because of Atletico’s transfer ban, the club are not able to register any new players until January 2 and therefore, Costa would only be able to train and not play.

A switch back to the Spanish capital is something Costa believes to favour rather than a mega-money move to China.

The 28-year-old was reportedly told by Stamford Bridge boss Antonio Conte that he was not part of his future plans.