Chelsea News and Transfers: Costa's Liverpool shock, £30m Varane blow, Ivanovic deal

EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest transfer and club news from Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa has explained he came close to joining Liverpool before moving to Chelsea.

The striker has been in fabulous form for the Blues this term, but he could have ended up on Anfield in 2013 as the Reds at the time were willing to meet his £21m release clause.

"I was close to leaving Atletico," Costa told the Daily Mirror.

"Liverpool are a great team, but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?"

Costa, Chelsea, CFC, Blues, Ivanovic, Varane, transfer gossipGETTY

Raphael Varane could be Premier League bound

I was close to leaving Atletico. Liverpool are a great team

Diego Costa

Chelsea have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Raphael Varane.

The highly-rated Real Madrid defender has been tipped with a move to the Premier League, but according to the Daily Star, he is leaning towards Manchester United.

It is believed a £30m bid could be enough to secure his services.

Raphael Varane Player Profile

Branislav Ivanovic is in line to earn a new deal with Chelsea.

The Blues defender, as Express Sport reported, could if he agrees a new deal.

Ivanovic was a transfer target for Fiorentina last year and his fellow Serb Nemanja Matic has also been offered a fresh contract.

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