Reports in Italy claim Napoli have contacted temperamental Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, as he is on the transfer list after receiving an eight-match ban in La Liga.

The director of L’Oracolo Rossonero, Sean Pelucchi, reveals that the negotiation is already at an advanced stage between the parties and there is the willingness to close the deal.

The 30-year-old was handed an eight-match ban for insulting the referee after he was sent off during Atleti’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in April and was placed on the transfer list by the Rojiblancos.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis said yesterday that he had “a surprise” to be announced on Monday and it could well be Diego Costa.

Napoli Coach Carlo Ancelott, according to Football Italia, is an admirer of the controversial forward and would like to work with him, as he plans to rebuild his side ahead of next season’s Serie A campaign.

The Spain international re-joined the Madrid club from Chelsea in January of 2018 for €66m, having spent three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after the Blues signed him from Atleti for €38m in 2014.