Dede linked to Blues’ hunt for defender

CHELSEA’S search for a new left-back has centred on Borussia Dortmund’s Dede after the player claimed he had been approached by the club over a possible switch this summer.

Chelsea refused to comment on Dede’s admission but a deal is likely to be scuppered by attempts to obtain a work permit for the Brazilian.

Dede said: “There has been contact on two occasions, the first one was one-and-a-half months ago and the second about two weeks ago.

“To play in England I must have played in three-quarters of Brazil’s international games or hold an EU passport and I can’t offer that, but Chelsea claimed they would look for ways to naturalise me in Germany.”

Dede joined Dortmund from Atletico Mineiro in 1998, and helped steer them to the 2002 Bundesliga title.

This season the club’s future was under threat, but a rescue package ensured they will play in the top flight for at least another season.