Diego Costa’s English Premier League return appears to have stalled as the UK government rejected his work permit application.

Wolves immediately launched an appeal after Costa’s work permit application was rejected.

The former Chelsea forward’s move to the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers hit the wall on Tuesday after his work permit application was denied.

Costa was due to undergo medicals at Wolves today, ahead of his free transfer return to England after he terminated his contract with Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro after only six months.

However, Skysports have now reported the deal would not progress, at least for now, after the striker’s application for a work permit was rejected due to inadequate points on his paperwork.

“Diego Costa has had his work permit application rejected due to not having enough points on his application, Wolves have appealed the decision,” the club’s statement said.

The major factor that led to the application denial is due to Costa’s lack of international appearance. He had not featured for any club since December 21, when he terminated his contract with his former club.

Wolves have now appealed the rejection verdict and expected to receive a response in the next 48 hours.

If the transfer is successful, the 33-year-old will replace Wolves’ new signing Sasa Kalajdzic, who sustained an ACL injury during his debut for the club.