Espanyol strike Costa deal

Espanyol have agreed a fee for Marseille midfielder Eduardo Costa.

The two clubs are believed to have settled on a fee of around ‚é¼4 million for the 22-year-old after Espanyol rejected the idea of a player swap.

Marseille had enquired about the possibility of including Espanyol skipper Raul Tamudo in any transfer, but that proposal was flatly rejected by the Catalans.

Thus the two clubs thrashed out a cash-only deal and Espanyol now have to only agree personal terms with the South American.

That should prove a formality as the player has already spoken of his desire to clinch a move to a more competitive league, and Espanyol will also be able to offer Uefa Cup football next term.

Costa only joined Marseille last summer after three seasons at Bordeaux and looks likely to become Espanyol boss Miguel Angel Lotina's first capture of the close season.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim that Espanyol's negotiations with goalkeeper Carlos Kameni over a new contract have broken down.

The player, who is under contract at Estadi Olimpico de Montjuic until 2007, is looking for improved terms after a fantastic first season at the club.

However, he has seen his demands to have his wages doubled to around ‚é¼1.2 million per season rejected and is reportedly furious at club officials.

It could well alert a number of top European clubs who have be trailing the 21-year-old Cameroon international.