Liverpool in £22m bid for Brazilian forward Diego Costa

Liverpool have placed a £21.8m bid for Brazilian forward Diego Costa, according to reports from all major respected news outlets this evening.

The bid, which equates to €25m, triggers a release clause in his contract meaning Atletico Madrid must allow the 24 year old to discuss the move with Liverpool.

The news is reported by The Guardian and The Liverpool Echo.

The Guardian write that Liverpool are hopeful the player will agree to the deal swiftly:

Costa is a controversial figure in Spain with a chequered disciplinary record but enjoyed his most productive campaign at Atlético last season, scoring 10 goals in 31 league appearances and a total of 20 goals in 44 games.

Liverpool’s interest in Costa comes amidst continuing speculation surrounding the future of Luis Suarez. Managing director Ian Ayre today insisted the star striker would not be sold.

The Daily Mail report:

They [Liverpool] have submitted a €25million (£21.85m) offer to trigger a release clause in Costa’s contract and are aiming to make the Brazil international their highest profile addition of the summer. Atletico are now considering the next move.

The news is now being reported BBC Sport:

Liverpool have declined to comment on the bid, but sources at Anfield insist the move has no bearing on Luis Suarez’s future, which has not changed since Arsenal made a £40,000,001 bid.

Should Liverpool sign Costa and keep Suarez they would have a wealth of attacking options alongside Daniel Sturridge, new boy Iago Aspas and Italian Fabio Borini.

An interesting development. Watch this space.