Edinson Cavani is wanted by Roman Abramovich[GETTY]Speculation that Chelsea had all but sealed a move for Costa in the summer got a further boost yesterday when the Brazilian-born striker smiled and waved as Blues fans chanted 'We'll see you next year' after the first leg of the clubs' Champions League semi-final.
But reports in Spain suggest that not only has that reaction been misinterpreted, but that a deal may not be as close as initially thought.
Indeed, after British journalist Henry Winter mentioned the chants on Twitter the Spanish correspondent for Italian daily Gazzetta dell Sport Filippo Ricci felt compelled to downplay Costa's response.
He said: "He's a polite guy. Doesn't understand a word of the chant..."
And in a further twist respected Spanish journalist Diego Torres Romano suggested that Abramovich isn't keen on Costa in any case.
Last news from Mendes's camp is that Abramovich said he wouldn't sign Costa.
Citing talks with a member of influential agent Jorge Mendes' camp, Romano insists that PSG's Cavani remains the Russian's preferred target.
He said: "Last news from Mendes's camp is that Abramovich said he wouldn't sign Costa. The russian wants Cavani."
PSG have always maintained that Cavani isn't for sale this summer, but with the Uruguayan international thought to remain unhappy about playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic a huge bid could still persuade the French champions to change their mind.
There would seem to be greater room for negotiations with Atletico with Thibaut Courtois on loan in Spain and the possibility of a swap deal involving Fernandro Torres or even Romelu Lukaku also mooted.
Abramovich may well prefer Cavani, but whether he's willing to go against Mourinho's wishes and pay over the odds to persuade PSG to sell when Costa could be a cheaper and less challenging option now remains to be seen.
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