Chelsea legend Diego Costa denied work permit ahead of move to Wolves

Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers' move for former Chelsea forward Diego Costa has hit a snag.

Wolves were working on a deal to sign the Brazilian striker as a replacement for injured forward Sasa Kalajdzic.

Costa in the colours of Atletico Mineiro. AFP

Kalajdzic was a £15m signing from German Stuttgart but suffered his cruciate ligament during his Premier League debut against Southampton on Saturday.

His injury pushed Wolves to look for a replacement with 33-year-old Costa identified as the perfect replacement.

However, that move could collapse after Costa's initial application for a work permit was rejected because he didn't have enough points.

Diego Costa scores for Chelsea in the Premier League. AFP

The former Atletico Madrid star is expected to be in England to appeal the decision as he is keen to join Bruno Lage's men.

What you need to know about the failed application

Costa's work permit issue comes as a result of Brexit which demands that foreign players must earn several points from the Governing Body Endorsement, GBE, to get permission to play in England.

In this case, a foreigner is mandated to get at least 15 points in this GBE to get a work permit.

Costa could face former club Chelsea in the PL. AFP

International caps and minutes played in domestic competitions are used to assess the players alongside performances in the league and continent.

It's on these points that Costa has fallen short as his club, Atletico Mineiro hasn't been in action since January this year.

Wolves confident Costa will get his permit

With Costa expected to appeal the decision, Wolves remain confident that the Brazilian will win his appeal.

Diego Costa, pictured in Decemember 2021 with the Brazilian Serie A trophy he won with Atletico Mineiro AFP

According to the Mirror, Costa's records for Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and in the Champions League could see him get the necessary permit on appeal.