Chelsea striker Diego Costa could make the move to China in the off-season, but Tianjin Quanjian denied reports that a deal was done.

Tianjin Quanjian dismissed speculation that they have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea star Diego Costa.

The 28-year-old was heavily linked to a Chinese Super League (CSL) switch in January, but eventually stayed with the Premier League leaders.

Recent reports suggested that move could be back on by the end of the season, in what could be a lucrative deal.

But Tianjin denied the speculation in a statement, saying: ‘With regard to the widespread rumours that Chelsea’s Diego Costa is expected to join Tianjin Quanjian, our club want to clarify that so far, we have not been communicating with Diego Costa regarding the transfer.’

Costa has scored 19 Premier League goals this season, helping Chelsea open up a four-point lead at the top of the table.

The Spanish international is contracted until mid-2019 at Stamford Bridge, but a big-money offer from China could see him make the move.

Tianjin are coached by Fabio Cannavaro and have the likes of Alexandre Pato and Axel Witsel in their squad.
They sit ninth early in the CSL season, after winning only two of their opening seven games.

– This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.com