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​Diego Costa’s China move in doubt following rule change

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Diego Costa’s China move in doubt following rule change

With reports growing stronger by the day that Chelsea star Diego Costa could be set for a world-record transfer to the riches of the Chinese Super League, one coach has today intimated that a recent rule change could see the Spaniard stay in London.

Former Blue

One-time Chelsea and Spurs fan favourite Gus Poyet, now the boss of Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, was today questioned on possible moves for both John Terry and Diego Costa.

The Uruguayan, however, was less than encouraging in his response:

‘If you asked me in December before they changed the rules, I would have said straight away he (Terry) was coming. I was 100 per cent sure. No doubt.’

‘But with the new system, it is special to buy a defender. The mentality has changed a lot because they [Chinese teams] are looking for players to make the difference up front – the ones that are going to bring people to the stadium.’

Change of stance

The rule change of which Poyet is speaking is a recently introduced regulation, whereby no team can field more than 3 non-Chinese players at any one time.

As the majority of the Chinese top division sides with substantial finances have already filled their three foreign spots with stars from around the world, it looks as though both Terry and Diego Costa could be set to miss out on their proposed moves.

Spanish star

Speaking on the possible arrival of Costa, Poyet explained:

‘I would love to [sign Costa] but it will be very difficult for us because of the quantity [of non-Chinese players] we have got. There are three who are playing.’

‘There would have to be a massive change to the structure of the club to be able to bring Diego here.’

‘I don’t know if it’s going to happen, I would never say ‘no, never’, but I would say it would be very difficult for him to come here.’

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