Ronald Koeman admits he is open to drafting in Diego Costa on loan.
The Everton manager made the admission as Costa’s continued exile at Chelsea intensifies, with the striker issuing a public statement on Thursday.
Costa insists that he ‘must return to Atletico Madrid’ with his Stamford Bridge career on the rocks following a fall-out with manager Antonio Conte.
But with his former club still under a transfer embargo until January, the Spain international could be forced out on loan by the Londoners.
Chelsea’s signing of Alvaro Morata earlier this summer has seen the former Real Madrid striker usurp Costa as the Premier League champions’ front man.
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has touted Everton as a potential short-term destination for the 28-year-old before his Atletico move can materialise.
Koeman has revealed that he would consider taking Costa as the Blues continue to search for attacking reinforcements before August 31.
He said: “Of course you like to sign players for the future.
“But if you can get the best one that way, then why not?”
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud and Crystal Palace marksman Christian Benteke were targeted by Everton but neither appear likely to leave their respective clubs.