Koeman open to idea of temporary deal for Diego Costa

Matt Stead

Ronald Koeman has hinted that Everton could explore a possible deal for Diego Costa.

Costa is almost certain to leave Chelsea this summer, with the striker having been told by Antonio Conte that he is no longer part of his plans.

The striker has taken the news really well, sodding off to his native Brazil and throwing a tantrum in an attempt to secure a move to Atletico Madrid.

No such transfer has materialised however, and so the striker might have to look elsewhere for salvation.

Joey Barton suggested that the club he supported as a boy could look into signing Costa.

“Liverpool are crying out for a forward of Costa’s ilk and so are Everton,” Barton told talkSPORT earlier this week. “If they want to get into that top four consistently and do well in the Champions League – Everton in the Europa League – you could do a lot worse than Diego Costa.”

Koeman was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and issued the following response.

“Of course you like to sign players for the future, but if you can get the best one that way, then why not?” he said.

“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.

“Still, we need a striker. We signed Sandro, we know about the development of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but we need ­another one who can play the No.9 role.

“When you play in Europe – and let’s hope we reach the ­Europa League – and in the ­Premier League you can’t do it with one or two strikers.

“If we don’t get a striker, then it’s all about young players.”