Liverpool are understood to have made an offer for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

The bid is reported to be worth around £21 million.

It is thought that the amount meets the Brazil international's release clause.

The club insists he is not a replacement for Luis Suarez, but if it turns out that he is, more controversy is ahead.

Costa's reputation in Spain is not the best as he is well known for his innate ability to wind up the opposition via his diving (sounds like a certain Uruguayan) and backchat.

Last season I was watching the Spanish Cup semi-finals between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, when the 24-year-old Brazil cap managed to get two of his opponents sent off.

Midfielder Gary Medel almost kicked a chair into some police officers as he was dragged off the field, while young French star Geoffrey Kondogbia stamped on Costa's groin (at least I think it was his groin). 

Costa also received a four match ban from UEFA after he was sent off against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

It was described as a headbutt but that's in the football context where it is more of a cranial caress. 

 

He also avoided a red card or suspension for punching Real Madrid hard man Pepe in the face during a touchline brawl. You will spot him in a red Atletico jacket.