Diego Costa's agent Jorge Mendes met the chairman of Tianjin Quanjian today - sparking more fears the Chelsea striker wants a move to China.
Costa's future at Chelsea is uncertain after being left out of the squad for tomorrow's match at Leicester following a bust-up with coach Antonio Conte.
Tianjin Quanjian want Costa to become the next high profile player from Europe to join the Chinese Super League.
It is believed they are prepared to pay in excess of £570,000-a-week to make the switch, more than three times what he currently earns at Stamford Bridge.
The presence of Mendes meeting chairman Shu Yuhui, pictured being given a signed Cristiano Ronaldo shirt by the super agent, has increased concerns that the Spain international could be on the verge of a switch to the Far East.
Costa, who is the club's leading scorer with 14 League goals in 19 starts, has over two years left on his contract.
However, Chelsea were looking to offer him an extension and a pay-rise in the coming months due to his superb form this term.
They won't be able to compete with what Tianjin Quanjian can offer, however they will be determined to keep their prize asset.
The 28-year-old has been key to their surge to the top of the table and their only other recognised striker in the squad is Michy Batshuayi, who hasn't started a League game all season.
Tianjin Quanjian are prepared to pay in excess of £80m for Costa, who joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for £32m in 2014.
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Costa wanted to quit Chelsea for Atletico Madrid last summer only for Conte and Chelsea to block the move.
It has been reported in Italy that Costa's row with Conte took place on the training ground last week and that the dispute ended with the Chelsea coach shouting 'go to China' at the forward.
With Costa out of the squad tomorrow night, Chelsea are expected to start with Eden Hazard up front at Leicester, with Pedro and Willian on the flanks.
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They are under pressure to get the victory after Spurs ended their 13-game winning streak last week. Chelsea currently lead closest challengers Liverpool by five points, while Tottenham will close to within four before the Blues' clash kicks off if they defeat West Brom.
Chinese Super League clubs are only permitted three overseas players in their ranks and Tianjin Quanjian have one berth left. Standard Sport understands they want a world class striker to fill the void, which is why they're pursuing Costa.
