Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is chasing Vasco da Gama defender Dede. The Daily Mail says Dede, 23, hails from the same area of Rio de Janeiro as Manchester United twins Fabio and Rafael and has already been tipped by a rival club's manager to be the cornerstone of Brazil's back line at the next World Cup.

It is understood 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.

Fluminense coach Abel Braga, watching Dede in action against Flamengo, gushed: "Dede is absurdly talented and will certainly be one of Brazil's centre-backs at the 2014 World Cup.

"I cannot believe a player comes up against Vagner Love in six or seven one-on-ones and wins the ball every time.

"That is what Dede did. He made 16 tackles overall and not one was a foul. His form at the moment is exceptional."