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Juve monitor new Cafu

Italian champions Juventus are today being linked with Brazil’s attacking right-back Cicinho.

The Sao Paulo player is widely considered as Marcos Cafu’s heir in the national side and has caught the attention of numerous clubs.

Cicinho, who is on the verge of gaining EU status thanks to his Italian roots, recently impressed at the Confederations’ Cup in Germany.

It was believed that Milan would make a move for the defender but the Old Lady of Italian football have emerged as contenders on Friday.

Although he recently extended his contract with his South American club until 2008, he would consider a European switch – even if that is only likely to happen next summer.

Whispers suggest that any proposed deal would cost any interested party a total of £8m, with 40 per cent of that fee going directly to the player.

The Bianconeri are looking for a new right-back and have been linked with numerous players this summer.

Lazio’s Massimo Oddo has been associated, as has Portuguese international Miguel of Benfica.

Juventus’ current first choice right-sided defender is former Cagliari and Roma player Jonathan Zebina.