Diego Costa’s determination to not be pushed out of the Chelsea exit door is reportedly holding up Blues’ move for Romelu Lukaku.
Antonio Conte wants rid of the striker and to replace him the Everton star.
However, the Daily Mirror claim that the Spanish international’s reluctance to depart is complicating Conte’s efforts to bring in the Toffees hitman.
A move to the Chinese Super League has already been rejected by Costa – who will only quit the Premier League champions for a return to Atletico Madrid.
He is adamant he will only depart on his own terms and will not bow to pressure from the Italian coach in a reported “sign of all-out war” between the two.
Costa was furious when he was told via a text from Conte that he was no longer wanted at the end of last season.
The former Juventus boss hoped the hitman would have gone after being told he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
But Costa, 28, still has two years left on his £150,000 a week deal and is unwavering in his stance to make things difficult.