NOW DEDE LINKED WITH QATAR

Sportinglife - Borussia Dortmund defender Dede has revealed he has been approached by Qatar to help carry them to the 2006 World Cup.

Werder Bremen's Bundesliga top-scorer Ailton recently admitted he had received similar overtures and now it appears they are targeting another Brazil-born Bundesliga star.

Dede and Ailton have both been overlooked by Brazil and are still free to play for Qatar if they meet citizenship requirements, which is a mere formality for the Persian Gulf state.

Leandro, Dede's younger brother, has also been offered the chance to play for Qatar and the trio could form the basis of the nation's qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup.

Speaking to the Welt newspaper, Dede confirmed the interest from Qatar, adding: "I've been in contact with them for a month and am wanted to play for their national team.

"I'd love to play in a World Cup, preferably with my brother Leandro."