Vasco da Gama are struggling to hold off Corinthians in their pursuit of centre-back Dedé and may face a similar fight to retain fellow defender Douglas—with offers arriving from three European clubs.
Douglas, 22, arrived at Vasco from América de Natal in 2010 and, after settling into the club’s Under-23 side, made his first-team breakthrough in 2012 after injuries to the club’s first-choice central defenders.
After impressing in his first season as a regular at senior level, during which he played 26 Série A matches, interest has quickly grown in his services and, on Saturday, was confirmed by Vasco director of football René Simões.
“There are proposals from Ukraine and Russia,” the director said. “There are three clubs. They are not new offers, but we still haven’t resolved the outcome. There is no hurry to resolve this.”
While Vasco may be in no hurry, the European transfer window will shut on January 31 and the club’s will need a reply within the coming days. Their decision may depend on the outcome of Corinthians’ pursuit of Dedé, with the club unlikely to sanction sales of both players.
Source: Lancenet
