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LONDON. – Chelsea have described claims head coach Antonio Conte is forcing striker Diego Costa out of the club as “just nonsense”.

The 28-year-old’s lawyer, Ricardo Cardoso, told Spanish news agency EFE on Thursday that his client intended to ‘formally request a transfer’ and also threatened Chelsea with legal action.

Costa has been told he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge – a decision Chelsea insist was made in January – and Sky Sports News understands the Spain international is wanted by former club Atletico Madrid.

Reports in the national press had previously suggested Conte had informed Costa that he was no longer wanted by the club via text message in June.

“If I may I would like to say something on behalf of the club. We don’t usually respond to comments of this nature, but I think we should do on this occasion,” a Chelsea spokesman said.

“The premise the lawyer has put forward is just wrong. As Antonio has said, I think this is worth repeating, that the decision on Diego was made back in January. The player knew the decision, the agent knew the decision, and clearly the lawyer has not been well informed.’’ – Sky Sports.