Diego Costa has returned to London as he bids to end his Chelsea exile and secure a move to Atletico Madrid, according to Marca.

The 28-year old refused to report for pre-season training with Chelsea after being told by Antonio Conte via text message that he wasn’t part of his plans for the season.

The Brazil-born Spanish forward will be looking to begin negotiations with Chelsea and make his Atletico return in January, when their transfer embargo comes to an end.

Chelsea have placed a £50m price on him.

Costa understands that he will have to regain full fitness if he is to be mach-it in time for the next round of international fixtures in October.

Meanwhile, Costa had alleged in an interview last month that he was “treated like a criminal” at Chelsea and that he would be forced to train with the reserves at Stamford Bridge if he returned.