Chelsea have opened talks with Diego Costa over a new contract.
Standard Sport revealed in November that Chelsea were looking to offer the striker improved terms in the new year.
It was reported today he has already agreed a five-year deal in principle worth £220,000-a-week plus bonuses, although it is understood things have not progressed that far yet.
However, the negotiations are under way only a month after the Spain international’s future at Chelsea was in doubt.
The 28-year-old had an argument with coach Antonio Conte over the severity of a back injury, which coincided with Tianjin Quanjian offering him a contract worth in excess of £570,000-a-week. Conte then said that any talks of a contract extension would be put on hold until the summer, even though Costa has only two more full seasons left on his deal.
But both parties appear willing to come to an agreement, although Costa’s hopes of doubling his salary to £300,000-a-week are unlikely.
Costa has made a huge impact since joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for £32million in 2014.
He helped them win the Premier League and League Cup two years ago and has scored 15 goals this term.
Speaking to the BBC last week, Conte said: “Will he stay here for a long time? Yes, I think so. I think so. I see him every day and I see his commitment, his behaviour is very involved in the team. He loves
this club.”