Chelsea striker Diego Costa is threatening to leave Stamford Bridge for the riches of football in China where he can become one of the highest paid players in the world.
The Spanish international has been omitted from today's squad due to face Leicester in the 5.30pm kick-off following a dispute with manager Antonio Conte over a £30m offer from China.
The striker has put on an exhibition of scoring so far this season but has previously expressed his unhappiness with life in London.
Costa reportedly worked alone this week which escalated into a row with Conte and his departure could potentially scupper Chelsea's title-winning chances this season.
Sky pundit Paul Merson however, has issued a plea to the Premier League leaders, to do everything in their power to prevent Costa from leaving.
WATCH: Diego Costa discussion - Would you go to China? Jeff Stelling wouldn't consider leaving @SkySports. https://t.co/xNj6lEw8pP
— Soccer Saturday âš½ï¸ (@SoccerSaturday) January 14, 2017
He said he could understand why Costa would be tempted by the offer, but stressed that Chelsea are unlikely to win the league without him.
"You cannot tell me that if you can speak Chinese and the Chinese company come looking for you next week and say 'we're gonna give you this, this and this,' please don't tell me you'd say no....
"Think of the fans as well. Chelsea have got a chance of winning the Premier League, they cannot win it without him. It would be some effort (to win it without him)"
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