Mourinho Plotting January Bid for Liverpool Target Diego Costa – Report

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keen to make a high profile signing in January and will look to convince Atletico Madrid to part with star striker Diego Costa.

The 25 year old once again highlighted his class as he scored twice against Austria Vienna in the Champions League on Tuesday night to take his season's tally to 12 in all competitions.

Costa is currently the top scorer in La Liga with 10 goals having committed his future to the club earlier this summer when he negotiated improved terms after Liverpool attempted to lure him to the Premier League.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was keen to bolster his attacking options and bid £21m for the striker, an offer which was almost immediately rejected by Atletico.

Since convincing Costa to remain at the club he has been in prolific form and it seems his performances have caught the eye of Mourinho.

The Mirror reports that Mourinho is hoping owner Roman Abramovich will back him in the January transfer window as he seeks to bring Costa to England.

None of Chelsea's current strikers have managed to cement a place in the first team as Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o have scored just one goal between them in the Premier League.

Liverpool are unlikely to pursue Costa in the new year with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez contuing to impress, which could leave the door open for Chelsea though it is believed they will have to part with as much as £35m for the striker.

Costa who is set to commit to playing for Spain despite previously representing Brazil in two friendlies, would be unavailable to Chelsea in the Champions League should they progress having already played in the competition for Atletico.

However, Mourinho may well feel that he needs the striker in order to help Chelsea's chances of winning the Premier League title in what is looking a very competitive league this season.