The agent of Brazilian defender Dede has revealed that his client is close to agreeing a switch to Corinthians.
The Vasco da Gama defender has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs of late, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, his representative Ubiraci Cardoso has claimed that the 24-year-old is eager to remain in his homeland.
"Dede wants to play the World Cup and stay in Brazil," Cardoso told UOL. "We'll have more news within the next days. The investors [that own a percentage of Dede's rights] have good relations with Corinthians and that may help. But there is still some distance before the deal can be made official."
Dede has made seven appearances for the Brazilian national team.