Chelsea to launch £32m raid for Costa in the summer after losing battle to prise Rooney away from United

Diego Costa is emerging as a primary transfer target for Chelsea as their chances of landing Wayne Rooney slip further away.

Jose Mourinho will be in the market for a new central striker in the summer, with Manchester United forward Rooney at the top of his list.

But United are growing increasingly confident that Rooney will sign a new contract, leaving Chelsea to start looking at alternatives.

And Atletico Madrid striker Costa is a player that has been watched extensively by Blues scouts in recent months.

Costa has a £32million release clause, though that can only be activated during the summer transfer window.