Report: Manchester United Willing to Spend £15 Million on Dede to Reinforce Aging Defense

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Mar 3, 2012

Report: Manchester United Willing to Spend £15 Million on Dede to Reinforce Aging DefenseDede is regarded as the top defender in South America and a future star for Brazil's national team. That is why Manchester United will move to sign the Vasco da Gama stopper this summer, according to the Mail. 

"It is understood [United manager Sir Alex] Ferguson has closely followed his progress in recent weeks and asked former United centre-back and current Brazil talent-spotter Jaap Stam to run the rule over him," the report says.

"Vasco's perilous financial position leaves them vulnerable to offers, and United will be confident of outbidding Benfica, on personal terms as well as an asking price, for a player valued at around £15 million [$23.7 million].

The 23-year-old center back has become a star in his homeland. His immense displays at the heart of the Vasco defense carried his club to a second place finish in last-year's Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (first division). 

He made his debut for Brazil's national team in late 2011, and many are tipping him to challenge David Luiz and Thiago Silva for a starting spot in the Brazil rearguard. 

"Dede is absurdly talented and will certainly be one of Brazil's centre-backs at the 2014 World Cup," Fluminense coach Abel Braga said. "I cannot believe a player comes up against Vagner Love in six or seven one-on-ones and wins the ball every time."

Rio Ferdinand has passed his peak, and Nemanja Vidic is recovering from a serious injury. Ferguson will reconstruct United's back line over the next 12-18 months, and Dede could be a part of that project.

He is tall, strong and technically sound and Ferguson has been monitoring the player for over two years.

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Photo via Flickr/Ide Gomes

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