Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hinted a summer deal that would see Diego Costa and Chelsea’s Fernando Torres head in opposite directions could be on.

The Blues have been linked with the Brazilian-born Spain international for some time, with rumours suggesting that Jose Mourinho has made him his top target for the coming transfer window.

Likewise Atletico have been aligned with Torres, who started his career with the Madrid side and captained them before joining Liverpool in 2007.

Speaking on Spanish radio, Simeone opened the door for a swap deal by saying that bringing the Chelsea man back to the Vicente Calderon is a tempting option, and that he will not stand in Costa’s way if he wants to join the Premier League side:

"Fernando is always with us, obviously I have sent messages to him, he is very happy with everything that is happening to this team, he is always present, wishing us luck. Of course he would love to come back to the club he grew up in and where he was very happy." He is quoted by The Guardian.

"It will depend on him (Costa) and what he thinks is the best for his future. I will support any decision he makes.

“It's natural that Chelsea are interested in him. And that makes me happy, because my aim and that of my coaching staff is to see our players improve. We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power, and if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going.

“It was like Radamel Falcao, how could I tell him not to go to Monaco?"

Chelsea and Atletico are believed to have a close transfer relationship, with the Spanish side having had Thibaut Courtois on loan from Stamford Bridge for three seasons.

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