Diego Costa ready to start showdown peace talks with Chelsea to save his World Cup dream
Controversial striker knows he must return to Stamford Bridge if he is to get into Spain's World Cup squad next year
DIEGO COSTA will reportedly begin peace talks with Chelsea as he looks to save his World Cup hopes.
The controversial striker was unable to secure a move to Atletico Madrid after the two clubs were unable to agree a fee.
But the Daily Express are now reporting that Costa is ready to back down from his long-running feud with the Blues.
The report claims that friends of the Spanish international have urged him to return to England and sort out his problems.
And that would also involve dropping a legal case he has with the Blues over the transfer saga.
Costa has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge since the end of last season when boss Antonio Conte told him he was no longer needed.
The striker then returned to his home town of Legarto in his native Brazil and refused to return to pre-season training.
It looked like an end to the messy situation was on the cards with Costa potentially moving back to Atletico.
Latest Chelsea news
But after a deal could not be struck, the Blues seemed to stick out an olive branch to Costa by including him in their 25-man Premier League squad.
Costa's would have to wait until January to move to Atletico but knows he must remain fit if there is any chance of a switch.
Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard has admitted he would love to see the attacker return to West London.
He said: "Diego? We spend three years together and we won everything, not the Champions League but we won the League.
"It was a pleasure to play with him.
"I want him back but you know I don't make the decision. But he is a top guy, a top player.
"I hope for him in the future he can find a solution and I want to see him on the pitch soon."
⚽ EXCLUSIVE OFFER: England now 33/1 beat Slovakia ⚽
FANCY the Three Lions to coast to victory against Slovakia at Wembley?
Well get on Sun Bets' huge 33/1 (new customers only) for England to win their World Cup qualifier.
