Costa staying at Atletico' - Caminero

The sporting director has issued a 'hands off' warning to any clubs interested in their star striker, insisting the player will remain in Madrid

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Caminero has ruled out the possibility of prolific striker Diego Costa leaving the Vicente Calderon in January.

Speculation of a potential exit has been fuelled by the €38 million release clause within the player's contract, which he signed in August this year.

However, Caminero insists the 25-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 17 league games, will not be leaving the club, despite interest from several parties.

“Right now, Costa does not think of leaving, he is hooked with Atletico,” he explained in an interview withMarca.

Under the management of head coach Diego Simeone, Atletico have gradually bridged the gap between themselves and city rivals Real and currently sit joint top of La Liga with Barcelona. 

Nevertheless, a regular theme in recent years has been the departure of key players – most recently the summer sale of Radamel Falcao to Monaco – but Caminero is not interested in selling more top stars.

The sporting director continued: “Diego is happy here. He just renewed his contract, demonstrating that he wants to stay here,

“He knows how this club works, money won't be a problem."

The Copa del Rey holders are through to the last 16 of this season's Champions League to face AC Milan and could be contenders for further silverware this campaign. 

Whilst Caminero rules out Costa's departure, the director does believe the club will be busy during next month's transfer window, stating "there will be changes". 

However, one area he is not worried about is the goalkeeper situation, with No.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan from Chelsea and Daniel Aranzubia.

He added: “We have three great goalkeepers, two of them on loan. This position is not our worry now