Atletico make new Rui Costa move

La Liga new boys have been tracking the former Benfica star for most of the summer as they bid to bolster their squad for their return to Spain's top-flight.

Milan have so far resisted any bids for the 29-year-old, but they could be tempted by a big-money offer.

The former Fiorentina star endured a difficult season at The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium last term due to a series of injuries and poor form.

The summer captures of Rivaldo, Clarence Seedorf and Sam Dalla Bona have increased the competition for places in The Rossoneri midfield and with Andrea Pirlo set to play a more prominent role in the side, Rui Costa could find himself pushed out of the reckoning.

Atletico enjoy a good relationship with Milan having already signed Demetrio Albertini, Jose Mari, Fabricio Coloccini and Javi Moreno for the new season and they are thought to be looking to take Rui Costa on loan for a year.

The Spanish club's president Jesus Gil revealed that talks are continuing over the Portuguese star and he is hopeful of bringing him to La Vicente Calderon.

"Negotiations are ongoing. We are not giving up on the Portuguese star and I am confident that in the next few days we will prevail," Gil told Radio Marca.

Rui Costa has been linked with a number of clubs over the summer, but the player himself has declared an interest in moving to Spain should he leave Italy.

Meanwhile, Atletico are set to complete the protracted transfer of Luis Garcia on Monday.

The 24-year-old had agreed to join Atletico from Tenerife two weeks ago but the deal had been held up.

Garcia is set to sign a four-year deal and become Atletico's seventh new signing of the summer.