Tianjin Quanjian confirm deal agreed for world class striker amid Diego Costa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rumours

Tianjin Quanjian have confirmed they have struck a deal in principle with a world class striker amid continuing reports linking them with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Diego Costa.

Aubameyang has enjoyed another stellar season with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 37 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga club.

The Gabon international has openly admitted his desire to play for Real Madrid at some point in his career and has dropped several hints that he intends to leave Dortmund this summer.

Costa, meanwhile, was reported to be on the brink of a move to the Chinese Super League in January following reports of a bust-up with Antonio Conte.

The pair have since patched up their differences and the Spain international has spearheaded a Chelsea side which is honing in on a Premier League and FA Cup double. Despite another impressive campaign in west London, Costa also intends to review his future in the summer.

‘Basically, a decision on which player we are going to buy in the summer has been made. And we have secured a verbal agreement with the player as well as his club,’ Tianjin Quanjian owner Shu Yuhui confirmed.

‘We have not signed a formal contract yet, and I will not reveal the player’s name during the sensitive period.

‘The club have once got the short end of the stick after our transfer target was exposed ahead of time. So we won’t say his name.

‘We will get [at least] one, but two [signings from Europe] is also possible.

‘Buying a world-class centre forward is a no-brainer, but a winger is in our plan too. The dust has not settled yet, but we are close to reaching a deal [with the winger].’