Atletico Madrid confirm failed attempt to sign Diego Costa from Chelsea

Diego Simeone has confirmed Atletico Madrid and Diego Costa "tried everything" to be reunited last summer but were priced out by Chelsea.

The striker said his former club "didn't wait" for him after expressing a desire to return to the Vicente Calderon, but has now poured cold water on a possible future return.

Atletico moved for Kevin Gameiro for a reported initial fee of £28million after failing to secure Costa's signature, with Simeone lamenting the lack of a release clause - which is mandatory in Spain - in the striker's Chelsea contract.

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"It could have been something better, or worse," Simeone told AS when asked if Costa's arrival would have improved Atletico's results this season.

"He's doing great at Chelsea and he's probably a key to what's happening to the team.

"Atletico tried everything to sign Costa, but in England there is no cancellation clause. Diego did his best to come.

"We were always transparent with Gameiro in relation to Costa. He knows he was the first choice if Costa did not arrive."

Atletico are in a race to secure Champions League football next season, lying in fourth place in LaLiga behind Gamiero's former club Sevilla.

Simeone, though, is happy with his summer arrival's performances this season.

"For me it is what I imagined from him, he has 14 goals [in all competitions] and I expect even more," he said.

"I think he has been better in games than just his goals because he has five [league] assists. He gives us speed, keeps the ball, has good interplay and works well with [Antoine] Griezmann.

"It gives us a chance to attack with Gameiro-Griezmann and teams know they cannot leave space."