Costa celebrates Valencia switch

Alberto 'Tino' Costa has described his move from Montpellier Hérault SC to Valencia CF as "a dream come true".

The Argentinian midfielder will complete a reported €6.5m deal and sign a four-year contact at Mestalla subject to passing a medical. Costa has played an integral role in Montpellier's success over the past two seasons, helping the club gain promotion to Ligue 1 in his first campaign before a fifth-place finish last term earned a UEFA Europa League qualifying spot.

Having worked his way up through France's lower divisions with Racing Club de France, Pau FC and FC Sète before joining Montpellier in 2008, Costa is keen to follow in the footsteps of some of his famous compatriots at Valencia. "This team has always held a special place for me because many great Argentinian players like Roberto Ayala, Kily González, Claudio López and Mario Kempes played here," the 25-year-old said. "I'm really looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch."

His signing is the fifth of a busy summer for Valencia, who will play in the UEFA Champions League group stage in September after finishing third in the Liga last season. Roberto Soldado, Mehmet Topal, Ricardo Costa and Sofiane Feghouli have all joined Unai Emery's side with David Villa and David Silva among the departures, leaving for FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC respectively.