Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has played down the possibility of a potential return to the club for striker Diego Costa.
The Spain international waslinked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, with China considered his most likely destination.
But it appears that he has now settled his disagreements with manager Antonio Conte and is again a part of Chelsea's relentless title push.
Cerezo admitted he would like to see Costa back with his former club, but expressed his belief that such a move is not likely to happen while he plays such an important role at Chelsea.
"It has been a while since I spoke to him. He is at a great club,� Cerezo told Spanish radio - via theMirror.
"They [media] say he will go to China, but Chelsea will not allow him to leave.I would love for Costa to return but it's not easy. He plays for a strong team, a team that is likely to win the Premier League.
"I don't think the big teams will allow their top players to leave."
Costa's time at Chelsea has often been tempestuous, although it remains to be seen whether he sees his long-term future with the club.
Only Romelu Lukaku has bettered his 15 Premier League goals so far this season, and he has already beaten his total of 12 in a disappointing 2015/16 campaign.