Antonio Conte has brushed off reports of an offer from China for Chelsea striker Diego Costa as 'speculation'.
Standard Sport understands Costa complained of a back injury in training this week, sparking a row between the striker and his manager over the player's fitness amid a mega offer from China.
The Spain international was left out of the squad to face Leicester on Saturday evening as the Blues re-established their seven-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.
Speaking after the game, Conte confirmed Costa has not trained since Tuesday, but said he had not been made aware of a transfer bid for the 28-year-old.
"I don't know anything about this," Conte told reporters. "The club didn't inform me about this. For this reason it can be only speculation."
Eden Hazard was the most advanced of Chelsea's forwards at the King Power Stadium, but it took a double from Marcos Alonso to put the champions-elect in control.
Pedro added a third in Costa's absence and revealed afterwards he is uncertain when Costa will return to action.
"I don't know how long it will take, I don't have his pain," said Conte. "We'll see about this next week."
