Spain striker Diego Costa has revealed he could have been plying his football for Liverpool rather than Chelsea in the Premier League.

Costa has revealed that Liverpool were the first club to meet his valuation clause back in 2013 and he could have joined the Reds for £21million just a year before he left for Stamford Bridge in a £32million move.

Brendan Rodger’s men could have done with his goals at the start of the season where they were without both Luis Suarez, who had left for Barcelona, and Daniel Sturridge, who was out for the first half of the season with a calf injury. Their absence compromised the Reds’ push for the title, although they still harbour hopes of the top-four spot and Champions League football next season.

Their next match is away to Swansea on March 16 and they are currently priced 2.05 in the match betting.

Despite the offer the Spain star stayed put, penning a new contract until 2018 that doubled his salary in the Spanish capital prior to moving to Chelsea a year later.

“I was close to leaving Atletico,” Costa told the People.

“Liverpool are a great team, but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?

“I thought it was very important to keep growing with Atletico and to play there for many years.”

Liverpool currently sit 12 points behind the Blues in the race for the title having played a game more and their best bet for silverware this season remains the FA Cup, where they face a replay with Blackburn following the goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday.