Costa available and wants to stay at Chelsea – Conte

Antonio Conte says he believes Diego Costa wants to stay at Chelsea.

Costa was left out of the Blues squad for last weekend’s win at Leicester amid reports he has received a huge offer to play in China.

Boss Conte, who insisted the striker had a back problem, said on Friday afternoon that Costa is fit and available for Sunday’s home match against Hull City.

And Conte added that he expects Costa, 28, to stay at Stamford Bridge despite speculation over his future.

“I think the player wants to stay with Chelsea and is very happy to play for us and this idea (moving to China) is far in his mind,” Conte said.

“He’s happy to stay and this is the most important thing. I don’t see any problem about him.

“After the game against Leicester I told the truth. I have heard a lot of speculation about Diego, but now the most important thing is that he has trained with us, does not have pain in his back, and is available to come back in our squad.”

However, Conte would not confirm if Costa would be selected this weekend, explaining: “I do not want to give an advantage to our opponent.”

And the Italian was reluctant to comment on whether he believes Chelsea should give Costa an improved contract in order to secure his future at the Bridge.

“I think it’s important to have these four months in a very strong way and then we’ll see,” he said.