Even though Diego Costa resisted the opportunity to part ways with Chelsea in January there would appear to be genuine concerns about his long-term future at the club.

Costa was linked with a switch to China during the recent winter transfer window and there were reports of a training ground bust-up with manager Antonio Conte to add further weight to the speculation he could leave.

But he didn't and has seemingly put his differences with Conte aside as the Blues close in on the Premier League title.

And yet there are fresh reports suggesting Costa will be shown the exit at the end of the season.

According to The Sun, Conte is prepared to sell his 18-goal forward and spend nearly £100 million on two replacements.

The Brazilian-born Costa is believed to be interested in a return to the country where he plays international football - Spain - and more specifically, Real Madrid.

Costa's Madrid desire could play right into Conte's hands, though, as one of his prime targets for the summer is expected to be Los Blancos' Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard has had a mixed season upon returning to the Bernabeu last summer - often playing second fiddle to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Morata joined Juventus just after Conte left to coach Italy in 2014 but the current Chelsea boss is likely to have played a role in targeting the forward.

As well as the £35 million fee it is thought will be required to get Morata to sign, Conte is also willing to splash £60m on another highly-rated striker.

Giant clubs across Europe would have all been made aware of Romelu Lukaku stating his desire not to extend his Everton contract in public this week.

Lukaku is currently the joint-top scorer in the Premier League with Harry Kane on 19 goals so you can guarantee there will be plenty of interest in his services with just over two years to run on his current Goodison Park deal.

The Sun believe Conte and Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo have agreed to make the Everton striker their number one target.

Three years after letting the Belgian international leave Stamford Bridge for £28 million, the Blues may now have to cough up as much as £60m to tempt Everton to sell.

If all three transfers are completed, there is a good chance Conte will change the current 3-4-3 formation that has reaped so much success this term to a 3-5-2.

How the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian would fit into that system, though, remains unclear.