Chelsea officials stunned by Antonio Conte's decision to dump Diego Costa by text... the bitter exchange is set to cost the league champions millions

• Chelsea news: All the latest from Stamford Bridge 
• Antonio Conte told Diego Costa he was not in his plans during a text exchange
• The Spain striker went public with the conversation to help seal a summer exit
• Chelsea board believe they will now have to accept a lower fee for Costa
• The message can now be used as evidence to secure Costa a big loyalty bonus

Antonio Conte’s decision to dump his top scorer by text — and Diego Costa’s reaction to go public on the private exchange — has stunned the Chelsea board and is set to cost them millions.

It is hard to envisage a way back at Stamford Bridge for Costa after this latest episode in a stormy relationship with Conte. The manager’s own rogue activities will certainly damage his club’s negotiating stance.

Would-be buyers now know Chelsea are desperate to sell, as do those who might sell the Premier League champions a replacement — such as Everton, who are less likely than ever to reduce their £100million valuation of Romelu Lukaku.

Conte's unofficial text message also opens the way for Costa’s agent to demand a hefty loyalty payment, with clear proof the club have instigated his exit.

While on holiday, Chelsea’s manager sent a goodwill message to all his first-team players wishing them a happy time with their families and reminding them to do some physical activity and stay in shape.

Costa fired off a reply, not thought to have been openly provocative but enough to irritate Conte. The Italian sent back a message which left his striker in no doubt that he is no longer part of his plans.

Costa reported the text exchange to the club and he received a message relayed back from director and chief transfer negotiator Marina Granovskaia telling him to back off and leave the negotiations to her.

On Wednesday, after he was an unused substitute in Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia, Costa came out of the dressing room and revealed all to the Spanish media about his ‘bad’ relationship with Conte.