Costa heading to Chelsea FC

LONDON (AP):

Chelsea have an agreement to sign Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid after paying the striker's buyout clause yesterday. Spanish media reported Costa's buyout clause was worth €38 million (US$51.9 million).

The Brazil-born Costa scored 35 goals last season to help Atletico win their first Spanish league title in 18 years and reach the Champions League final, knocking out Chelsea in the semi-finals. However, the 25-year-old forward failed to impress in Spain's underwhelming title defence at the World Cup.

After twice being loaned out to smaller Spanish clubs, Costa had a breakout season in 2012-13 under coach Diego Simeone en route to Atletico winning the Copa del Rey.

Also yesterday, Chelsea announced a one-year contract extension for Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who arrived on a free transfer from Fulham last summer and was back-up to Petr Cech.