29 May, 2017
The Chronicle say that they have boldly cast their eye on the English champions Chelsea in their efforts to bolster Rafa Benitez's squad, targeting Michy Batshuayi in a potential loan deal.
The likes of AS Monaco, West Ham United and newly-promoted Newcastle United have been linked with a loan move for the Belgian in order to give him more regular first-team football in the build-up to the 2018 World Cup, and Batshuayi is happy to go wherever Chelsea want him.
Batshuayi's future at the club is very unclear at this point, as his crucial form at the end of the season - scoring four goals in his last five Premier League games - has put Antonio Conte wondering whether to keep him in the ranks or send him out on loan.
Costa, who thinks Batshuayi has a bright future ahead of himself, feels the Belgium global has all the qualities to remain at Stamford Bridge.
"Batshuayi is a big player and has an impressive future for himself", Costa was quoted as saying by Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad.
"He is a boy who will take big steps".
"He has all the qualities to stay here". Newcastle United, who have already added signed Christian Atsu from Chelsea, are also interested according to the Chronicle.
But the Spaniard would welcome Lukaku to Stamford Bridge as he rates the Everton striker highly. The 23-year-old Batshuayi said, "I'm a player and I'll go wherever Chelsea sends me".