Antonio Conte has underlined Diego Costa's happiness at Chelsea, insisting he "loves" the club.
Standard Sport understands the striker was a January target for Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian, who were prepared to part with more than £80 million and offer wages in excess of £570,000 a week.
Costa stayed at Stamford Bridge and, with Chelsea favourites to secure a second Premier League title in three years, Conte can see the striker staying for the long term.
"Diego is a really important player but the siutation is very clear," Conte told Gary Lineker on the BBC Two's 'Premier League Show'. "He's very happy to fight for the title.
When asked by Lineker if Costa is happy, Conte replied: "Yes. I see him every day. He loves this club."
Last weekend's 3-1 win over Arsenal effectively ended the Gunners' title ambitions for a 13th consecutive year, leaving second-placed Tottenham nine points back as Chelsea's only rivals.
Conte, however, was coy in his response when pushed on his team's title hopes.
He added: "The Premier League is very tough. It's the best in the world."
