Wolfsburg sign Réver, Costa departs

VfL Wolfsburg have signed defender Réver from Grêmio Foot-ball Porto Alegrense for an undisclosed fee, paving the way for Ricardo Costa to join fellow UEFA Europa League contenders LOSC Lille Métropole.

'Talented player'
The German champions sacked coach Armin Veh on Monday and bring in Réver, 25, in the hope he can shore up a back four which has conceded 38 goals in 19 Bundesliga matches this term. "He's a very talented player at the best age there is for a footballer," said general manager Dieter Hoeness. Réver, however, will have to wait for his debut as he continues his recovery from a fractured hand. "I'm very happy that my first step in Europe is with a big team that won the championship last year," said the towering centre-back, who has signed a contract until 2014. "I know how difficult that is in the Bundesliga."

Deal dissolved
Costa, meanwhile, was out of contract in the summer but requested a release so he could join Lille. "Ricardo asked us a couple of weeks ago if he could leave, but we only accepted on the proviso that we signed a new central defender," added Hoeness. Costa has travelled to France for a medical.