Everton manager Ronald Koeman has refused to rule out signing Chelsea striker Diego Costa on loan, reports The Independent.
What's the word?
Everton have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the transfer window, recruiting eight new faces so far.
The latest arrival is Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea City, and even though the ink has just dried on the midfielder's contract, Koeman is already eyeing more additions.
The Dutchman has made it clear that he wants another striker and a defender before the transfer window shuts in less than two weeks' time.
Interestingly, Koeman suggested during a press conference this week that he would be open to signing controversial Costa, who has refused to return to Chelsea.
According to The Independent, when asked if the new signings need to be on permanent deals or loans, the Everton boss said:
“Is that about Costa?! Of course you like to sign players for the future, but if you can get the best one that way, then why not? That’s for six months, the season, two years.
“It’s difficult because it needs to be a quality player, or a young player who can develop or improve. We have the possibility maybe to sign good players, but we don’t play in the Champions League, and that sometimes makes things very difficult.”
What's happening with Costa?
Things have definitely turned sour between the striker and his current club Chelsea.
The 28-year-old, who has been in Brazil all summer, released a statement this week insisting that he will not go back to West London as he is only prepared to join Atletico Madrid.
This follows an explosive interview with the Daily Mail, in which Costa accused the Premier League champions of treating him like a criminal.
The Spain international stood by allegations that manager Antonio Conte informed Costa via text message that he was no longer wanted at the club.
It seems that if there is a way back for Costa, he will have a lot of grovelling to do to Chelsea, who Sky Sports claim have fined him two weeks' wages for failing to turn up for training.
Would Costa fit in at Everton?
There is no doubt that signing the Brazilian-born striker on loan would be a huge coup for the club, even if it just for six months.
Costa has made it clear that he wants to return to Atletico, but he may have to wait until January as the Spanish club are banned from registering new players until next year.
In the meantime, joining Everton would give the striker an opportunity to maintain his fitness and play every week.
The Toffees may have bolstered their squad with plenty of new signings this summer, but they still need some attacking support for Sandro Ramirez, and Costa would be perfect.
His off-field attitude is a concern, but with the move potentially being on a short-term deal, it's worth the risk.
Is the transfer likely?
Given Costa's determination to only play for Atletico, it may be difficult for the Toffees to convince him to join, even if it is for a temporary spell.
The fractured relationship between Chelsea and the striker may also result in the West London outfit asking Everton to pay, at least some, of the player's salary, which is a potential issue.
In addition, the Blues have already faced criticism for allowing Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United, so boosting another Premier League rival will be something that they will want to avoid.
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