Birmingham City Could Make A Shock Move For Former Chelsea Striker Diego Costa

Birmingham City could make a shock move for former Chelsea striker Diego Costa if a takeover of the club is completed, according to reports.

Birmingham's Chinese owners are reportedly ready to sell a stake in the club and are willing to hand over the running of the Championship club to new directors.

According to The Mirror, former Barcelona forward Maxi Lopez is part of a consortium, along with Christian Codoma and lifelong Blues fan Paul Richardson, bidding for control.

If their takeover is successful, it could open the door for some huge transfers to St Andrew's.

Lopez, Codoma and Richardson are said to be keen to see a better blend of youth and experience in the Birmingham squad.

And Lopez has reportedly drawn up a list of potential transfer targets, which include former Chelsea striker Costa.

The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January.

Costa scored 58 goals in 120 appearances for Chelsea after joining the Blues in a £32m move from Atletico Madrid in 2014.

Costa is a free agent after leaving Atletico Mineiro in January (Image: PA)

He spent four years at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League twice as well as the League Cup, before returning to Atletico in 2018.

Costa would remain at Atletico for four seasons, winning the La Liga title in his final campaign with the club, before moving to Atletico Mineiro in August.

Former Argentina U20 international Lopez, who had spells with River Plate, Barcelona and AC Milan during his playing career, is believed to have a number of former South American stars interested in coaching roles at St Andrew's if his takeover is successful.

Former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez is part of a consortium keen to buy a stake in Birmingham (Image: PA)

But his consortium faces competition from former Rangers director Donald Muir, who has reportedly been approached by football financier Keith Harris for a potential £32m buy-out.

Meanwhile, former Watford owner Laurence Bassini is also interested in buying the club.

Birmingham finished 20^th in the Championship this season under Lee Bowyer, ending the campaign 10 points clear of the relegation places.