Brazil and Vasco da Gama defender Dede has played down speculation regarding a transfer to the Premier League, stating he prefers a move to Corinthians.

Vasco da Gama, who are currently going through financial problems, had recently revealed they are willing to sell Dede, if an appropriate offer came through. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan have all been linked to the 24-year-old, with the player's agent claiming the Reds have shown concrete interest in securing the defender.

Dede (T)
Reuters

However, Dede has now poured cold water on those rumours, by claiming his favoured destination is Corinthians; the reigning Club World Cup champions.

"I don't know anything. Corinthians are a great club and I won't say I wouldn't like to play there," Dede said.

Liverpool are in the market for a defender, with Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of the season and Martin Skrtel among the list of players linked with a move away from the club. Brendan Rodgers has earmarked Swansea City's Ashley Williams as his top target, with the Welsh defender reportedly being his priority signing for the summer.

United are also interested in Dede, with Rio Ferdinand's contract set to expire in the summer. The Red Devils have identified Benfica's Ezequiel Garay as their number one defender target, with recent reports stating a deal is close for the Argentine.

Henderson Eases Burn-out Fears

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder insists he will not suffer burn-out, when he captains the England U-21 side in the European Championships in June. Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom, Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Robinson are the other four Reds players, who are scheduled to join the national squad two days, after the Premier League ends on 19 May.

"The maximum number of games you can play is five if you win the tournament so it's not a great deal of games to be honest. It will be hard in the heat and the intensity of the games but think I'll be fine for the season," the midfielder told Liverpool Echo.

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