Manic Loop
Mar 9 2002, 01:45 PM
Charlton Athletic coach Alan Curbishley is ready to discuss a permanent deal with £4 million-rated Porto defender Jorge Costa, who is on loan at the London club.
"We have a high regard for him," he said. "When we're safe we'll sit down and decide what happens. He has been in situations where he has cost goals, but in the last month he has got his act together."
The negotiations could take place imminently as Charlton, lying in ninth spot in the Premiership with 37 points, are a win away from virtually securing top-flight football next season.
The south-London side have conceded just 33 goals this term. Only Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds and Chelsea have let in fewer.
The 30-year-old signed on loan in December in a bid to force his way back into the Portugal team for the World Cup. He had fallen out of favour with then-Porto coach Octavio Machado.
The veteran centre-back was instrumental in Porto's six championship victories in the 1990s.
"We have a high regard for him," he said. "When we're safe we'll sit down and decide what happens. He has been in situations where he has cost goals, but in the last month he has got his act together."
The negotiations could take place imminently as Charlton, lying in ninth spot in the Premiership with 37 points, are a win away from virtually securing top-flight football next season.
The south-London side have conceded just 33 goals this term. Only Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds and Chelsea have let in fewer.
The 30-year-old signed on loan in December in a bid to force his way back into the Portugal team for the World Cup. He had fallen out of favour with then-Porto coach Octavio Machado.
The veteran centre-back was instrumental in Porto's six championship victories in the 1990s.