Liverpool transfer news: Costa "signed by Monday"

Liverpool have made a £21 million bid for Costa, which is believed to have triggered a release clause in the player's contract with Atletico. Following the protracted summer deal that saw Brazilian international midfielder Paulinho move from Corinthians to Totenham Hotspur, concerns had been raised Liverpool could be the next Premier League side to be delayed in their pursuit of a transfer target. Paulinho's switch to Spurs switch is understood to have been slowed by complications related to third-party ownership of the player's economic rights. The sale of third-party ownership in players is common practice in Spanish, Portugese and south American football as a means to raise funds without losing talent. It has since emerged however, that Costa's rights were purchased in their entirety by Atletico, in a 2010 deal with Portugese side Braga. A SportsDirect News source with expert knowledge of the situation told us this would likely see the transfer pushed through with little problem: The source said: “The normal time frame for these things is two to five days. “If a deal has been agreed between the two sides, then the player would fly probably tomorrow to discuss terms. “Then, on Monday, as Sunday is not a business day, the club has to request an International Transfer Certificate (ITC), which Liverpool have to obtain from Atletico via the Spanish and English football associations. “The club will transfer the funds agreed and on receipt of the ITC the player will be eligible to play.” Liverpool are yet to confirm or deny the reports.