Tianjin Quanjian denies Costa link
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, May 24, 2017
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Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian distanced itself yesterday from a move for Chelsea striker Diego Costa when the league's transfer window opens next month.
The Brazil-born Spain international has been consistently linked to the Fabio Cannavaro-coached club since the turn of the year and speculation has intensified that Tianjin will seek to sign the 28-year-old this summer.
But in a statement issued on the club's website, Tianjin denied it had been in contact with Costa's representatives and said it would not allow itself to be dragged into a bidding war for any foreign player.
"Regarding the rumors and reports that Tianjin Quanjian's summer transfer plan is to buy Diego Costa, we hereby clarify the following: During the past six months the club has not communicated with Diego Costa or his agent regarding his transfer," it said.
"Our strategy of bringing new players to the club is based on the general principal of providing entertainment and sustainable development. We have no intention of becoming involved in any unhealthy competition and, consequently, paying a premium price."
Tianjin added Brazil international Alexandre Pato and Belgian Axel Witsel to its squad after winning the Chinese second division last year but has won just three games this season and is 7th, 12 points adrift of Guangzhou Evergrande.
Cannavaro has complained about his team's lack of a top-class striker and reports have suggested Tianjin would seek to sign Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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