According to the
Daily Express, Chelsea are closing in on a £20 million deal for Vasco Da Gama centre-back, Dede. The current Champions League holders are expected to bid around £20 million for Dede in the hopes he will become a long-term replacement for 34-year-old John Terry. Dede is currently under contract at Brazilian club Vasco Da Gama, but with the club suffering a cash crisis, the defender is rumoured to be leaving in the summer. The 24-year-old has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United with Liverpool reportedly set to offer £15 million for the defender. Dede has played 154 games for his club since joining in 2009 from Volta Redonda and his performances have captured the eyes of many. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have their fair share of Brazilian players, something which will be key if Dede does decide to leave the club for a career in the Premier League. Chelsea have David Luiz, Ramires and youngster Oscar all part of their current squad whilst Manchester United boast a good number of Brazilians with Anderson, Rafael and Fabio all having been involved in the national squad. With both clubs in the run-in for the player and with Liverpool having put money aside to replace Jamie Carragher,
who is retiring at the end of the season.