New Costa contract? Conte gives his thoughts

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was reluctant to say whether he believes Chelsea should give Diego Costa an improved contract in order to secure his future at Stamford Bridge.

Costa is expected to return to the Blues line-up against Hull City on Sunday, having missed last weekend’s win at Leicester following a back complaint and a rumoured behind-the-scenes row with a fitness coach.

That all came amid the backdrop of reports his head had been turned by a big-money offer from a Chinese Super League club.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Hull’s visit, Conte insisted Costa was happy to stay at Chelsea for now – but did not say whether he wanted the striker to pledge his long-term future to the club.

“I think now it’s better to be concentrated on the present, not the future,” he said.

“It’s important to have these [next] four months in a very strong way and then we’ll see,” he said.

“Diego is a good player, he is a good person and now he’s only focused on Chelsea and to play with us and to continue to help us.

“He missed only one game but now he’s ready to come back with us. I’m sure about his commitment, his will to fight with this team to the end and to try to win the title.”