Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will have a big job on his hands to replace Diego Costa if the striker leaves for the Chinese Super League this summer.

The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Asia throughout the campaign and the rumours suggest that a deal could finally be completed at the end of the season.

Despite sometimes coming under criticism from supporters and neutrals for some controversial moments during his time in the Premier League, there is no doubt how big an influence he has been on the club over the course of the last three years.

The 28-year-old has scored 20 league goals this term to help the west London outfit win their second top flight title in three seasons, while he has linked up brilliantly with the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro this term.

Because of his impressive all-round game, Neville believes that Conte will have to replace more than just the goals if the striker exits Stamford Bridge.

The former England right-back told Monday Night Football: “Costa, for me, is an animal for this Chelsea team. When he’s not scoring, he’s contributing with the way Chelsea play with a single striker.

“If he leaves, it’s a huge void to fill. Forget the fact that you can get someone to score the goals that he scores, which will be a challenge in itself, but to replace that personality, that fight.”

Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid attacker Alvaro Morata if Costa does go, but either would certainly have a lot to live up to keep the Blues in contention for the Premier League title as well as the extra fixtures generated by their return to the Champions League group stages.