Spanish striker Diego Costa, 32, is set to resume his career in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro, having not played since leaving Atletico Madrid in December.

Arsenal could be disappointed in their chase for midfielder Bernard, 20, after the player's father confirmed that Brazilian team-mate, 27-year-old striker Hulk, has persuaded the youngster Porto would be a better club at which to develop.

Tottenham and Liverpool are in a battle with three other clubs to sign highly rated 20-year-old Brazilian winger Bernard, who is set to quit his current club Atletico Mineiro.

Liverpool have approached Atletico Mineiro about winger Bernard, 20. The Brazil international has a release clause of approximately £20m, but a number of Champions League sides are believed to be interested in him.

Tottenham target Bernard has been urged to join Borussia Dortmund instead by his Brazil international team-mate Dante. The White Hart Lane club are desperate to tempt the 5ft 4in 20-year-old attacking midfielder to join them, but Dortmund have also targeted the Atletico Mineiro star as a possible replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze.