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Everton were willing to pay £70million to sign Diego Costa before his switch to Atletico Madrid.

The Toffees indicated to Chelsea that they were willing to stump up the massive amount to sign the exiled striker who had gone AWOL.

But Costa, set to be unveiled by Atletico this week, made it clear that he only wanted to go back to his former club.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman had already landed Wayne Rooney from Manchester United but had failed in a bid to bring in Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.

They are now interested in a January move for Benfica striker Raul Jimenez.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

But Koeman needed a brace on Saturday from one-time outcast Oumar Niasse to see off Bournemouth and take the heat off him.

Costa is expected to be confirmed as an Atletico player within the next 48 hours and could even be paraded ahead of the club’s game against Chelsea on Wednesday.

He has signed on an initial loan basis before the £59m deal is made permanent at the end of the season.

Atletico’s players have already made it clear that they fully endorse the recapture of the striker they regard as one of the best in the world.

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Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis said on Friday: “I say I am proud because a great effort has been made to bring one of the three best strikers in the world.

“Wherever he’s gone he has made history, he has been champion. He comes to triumph and fight for something big and make us all better around him.

“I’m very glad that my friend is back here and now we welcome him in the best possible way.”