Dede set for Vasco exit

Rio de Janeiro, March 19 (IANS)

Juventus target Dede is likely to leave Vasco da Gama during the next European summer transfer window, the Brazilian football club revealed.

The 24-year-old central defender, who has been compared to former England captain Rio Ferdinand, has also been linked to Manchester United, Liverpool and Benfica, reports Xinhua.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult to hang on to Dede despite the fact we all want him to stay,” said Vasco’s general director Cristiano Koehler.

“The club needs the funds and the player is looking for other opportunities. We have to be realistic. At some stage he is going to leave.”

Dede, who has a $35,000 buyout clause, has been included in Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s 23-man squad for international friendlies against Italy Thursday and Russia four days later.