Premier League: Chelsea don't need Diego Costa, insists Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team sent a message to their rivals with their win over Leicester City without Diego Costa.

Costa is apparently unsettled by an offer from the Chinese Super League, while head coach Antonio Conte said the Spain international was battling a back injury.

Hot Transfer Window Gossip: Costa 'rejects improved Chelsea contract', Marseille and West Ham 'have Payet talks'

Chelsea or China? This is the simple, if slightly unusual, choice that seems to face many Brazilian footballers at some point in their Stamford Bridge careers.

For the likes of Ramires and Oscar it was a straight-forward case of take the money and run, but Diego Costa (yes he is Brazilian really, even if he pretends to be Spanish) has to make things typically dramatic. As such, Monday’s papers are filled with various theories about the striker’s decision between hard-earned Premier League glory and decadent Oriental oblivion.

Premier League: Tottenham squad not tempted by Chinese riches - Kane

Do not expect any Tottenham players to be lured to the Chinese Super League as Harry Kane and Co. challenge for silverware.

Oscar made a record-breaking move to Shanghai SIPG from Premier League leaders Chelsea, while former team-mate Diego Costa has been tipped to join the likes of Carlos Tevez, Hulk, Axel Witsel, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Ramires in China.

Premier League: Arsene Wenger has sly dig at Chelsea over Diego Costa issue

Arsene Wenger insists he has no problems with Alexis Sanchez, suggesting the top scorer's passion to play for Arsenal is at odds with that of Diego Costa at Chelsea.

Chile international Sanchez reacted angrily to being substituted after concluding the scoring in the Gunners' 4-0 win at Swansea City on Saturday, but Wenger suggested his Stamford Bridge counterpart Antonio Conte has far greater concerns with his own star striker.

Premier League HOT or NOT: Davies, Bilic, Crouch, Guardiola, Pogba

What’s sexy, and what’s unsexy, in football this week…

HOT

Tom Davies’ beard

There was much to admire about the Everton youngster’s coming-of-age display against Manchester City. The swashbuckling midfield dynamism, the relentless running, the Messi-esque flick and finish for his sublime goal, the passionate celebration with the home fans and the laughably unfashionable blonde curtains. But the icing on this electrifying Evertonian cake was the bushy monstrosity covering the lower part of his face. Davies boasted a fulsomeness of facial hair that no 18-year-old should have a right to grow – and it was this beard that symbolised his readiness for Premier League football and proved he could mix it with the men.