Portuguese star to join Eagles

Last updated : 14 December 2005 By Nik Taylor

Bordeaux winger Sergio Costa is to be handed a week’s trial by Iain Dowie as the Palace boss looks to strengthen his squad.

The 26-year-old has been unable to get in the Bordeaux team this season and the French club’s coach is believed to be happy to let him move on in the January transfer window.

Costa has previously played for the likes of Internazionale, Bologna and Porto, but has struggled to establlish himself at any of these clubs.

The former Portugal Under-21 star normally plays as a left-sided attacking midfielder, so his acquisition would presumably be as direct competition – or as a replacement for – the soon-to-be-out-of-contract Marco Reich.