Chelsea and Tottenham to battle over Deco

Barcelona have told Deco that he can leave the club this summer, and Chelsea and Spurs are set to battle for the signature of the talented Portugese midfielder.

Deco has had a quite poor season to his standard, and has not been a regular in Rijkaard’s side for most of the season.

The 30-year old, under contract at the Nou Camp until 2010, claimed that Barca chiefs had given him the green light to find another club.

“I will go to an English or an Italian club. But not Spain because the only club at the same level as Barcelona is Real Madrid and I will never go to Real,” said Deco.

Coach Frank Rijkaard has called it quits to be replaced by former player Josep Guardiola while players Ronaldinho, Edmilson, Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta have all been tipped to be heading for the exit door this summer.