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Roma ready to sell Greek hero

Roma are rumoured to be willing to cash in on Traianos Dellas following the Greek defender's heroics at Euro 2004.

Dellas was the lynchpin of the Greece rearguard, as Otto Rehhagel's side stunned football to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy.

He produced a string of towering performances for his nation and also scored the decisive goal which vanquished Czech Republic in the semi-final.

But his displays in Portugal are unlikely to be enough to keep him at Stadio Olimpico, as Roma perceive Dellas to be a player who can help to ease their financial difficulties.

The 28-year-old's contract expires next summer and Roma are unlikely to be keen to pay the wages Dellas will demand following his European Championship success.

Instead, Roma believe they can rake in a substantial amount by auctioning off Dellas to the highest bidder before the start of the new campaign.

Shakhtar Donetsk are understood to have made the most attractive offer to Roma thus far, but Dellas is not enamoured by the prospect of a move to Ukraine.

Benfica are also keen on the centre half, but it is unclear if they have the financial clout to stump up the ‚é¼5 million, which is likely to be required by Roma.

Dellas's agent recently admitted there are a string of clubs on the stopper's trail - with Porto, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur all mooted as admirers.