DIEGO COSTA is reportedly wanted by Sao Paulo FC, the rivals of his boyhood club.
The striker, 32, left Atletico Madrid at the end of December to become a free agent.
Diego Costa is a free transfer target for Sao Paulo in his hometown – despite supporting their rivals growing upCredit: Reuters
Now according to Sky Sports, Costa has been offered the chance to return to his hometown.
Sao Paulo hope to take advantage of his desire to finish his playing career in Brazil.
However, Costa grew up supporting Palmeiras – Sao Paulo’s enemies across the city.
And Palmeiras are themselves in the hunt to sign the former Chelsea man.
They were believed to be leading that race – with many reports claiming Costa had signed a two-year deal worth around £2.6million.
But boss Abel Ferreira denied the rumours.
He said: “I guarantee that there is no negotiation with Diego Costa. None.
“I’ve already realised that any player who talks about the market is linked with Palmeiras.
“Players that come from Europe are always linked with Palmeiras.”
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Saudi outfit Al Nassr offered Costa £5.2m to sign until the summer of 2022 but the report adds he turned down a move to the Middle East because he wanted £6.9m instead.
Since his departure from the LaLiga leaders, the forward has also had approaches from Turkey, Qatar as well as Premier League outfit Wolves.
Costa struggled during his third spell at Atletico Madrid, scoring just 19 goals in 81 games.
The 24-cap Spain international endured an injury-hit season and fell behind Luis Suarez and Joao Felix in Diego Simeone’s pecking order.
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Atletico Madrid terminate Diego Costa’s contract after striker demands to be let go
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
