Deco eyes Scolari link-up

Updated 11.34 Mon Jun 16 2008

Keywords: Ronaldinho, Barcelona, Deco, Scolari

Barcelona playmaker Deco claims Chelsea are interested in signing him.

The 30-year-old midfielder is currently with new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will take over at Stamford Bridge on July 1, as part of the Portugal squad competing in Euro 2008.

"Scolari is a great coach and if I end up working with him again I'd be very happy" - Deco

Speculation linking Deco with a move to London has escalated since Chelsea went public last week with their decision to appoint Scolari as the successor to the sacked Avram Grant.

While the player claims not to have spoken to his current boss about the move, he admits he would like to continue working with Scolari despite interest from elsewhere.

Deco said: "There's interest from Chelsea, which is normal, but Scolari hasn't said anything to me. Now, we're talking to Barca (about an exit from the club). There are other offers, naturally.

"Scolari is a great coach and if I end up working with him again I'd be very happy."

Also tipped to be joining the Nou Camp exodus is fallen star Ronaldinho, who has struggled for form all year in the face of rising criticism from the fans and press in Catalonia.

AC Milan emerged as the early candidates to land the 28-year-old Brazilian but their interest has since cooled and Chelsea are now tipped to make a move.

Last week Ronaldinho himself revealed he would love to work with Scolari, promising the 59-year-old coach he was ready to return to his best.

And Deco too claims a move to Chelsea would be the right move for his Barca team-mate.

He added: "Ronnie is a friend, and I'm sure he can get back to being one of the best, if not the best player in the world.

"It'd be great (if Chelsea signed Ronaldinho) because he would be going to a great club and I'd like to see him playing in the Champions League with a great team and showing that he's still the best in the world."

Whether or not his final destination is Chelsea, Deco was adamant that he would be leaving the Catalan capital this summer.

Reports in Spain claim his exit may prove difficult if Barca president Joan Laporta is ousted should a motion being carried against him be successful, but the Portugal international sees no obstacles in his path.