August 26 – Barcelona have been quick to dispel any suggestion of Neymar leaving for Manchester United for a world-record €190 million as the summer transfer window approaches its usual frenetic final week of business.
United have reportedly earmarked the Brazilian star player as their top signing for the summer, eclipsing Real Madrid’s purchase of Gareth Bale in 2013.
Brazilian publication Globo Esporte claims United have activated Neymar’s release clause and that talks are ongoing over a possible move, emabling Barca to use the money once their transfer ban is lifted next January.
“Those are just rumours and what people write but there is nothing to it,” said Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu in an interview with Catalunya Radio.
“Neymar is happy at Barca. We don’t want Neymar to leave at all. He is a young player that has an international football projection above the norm. He has helped us a lot in our recent successes. In a few months’ time we will discuss his contract extension as he has three years left on his current deal.
“We want him to stay for many years, three, five, 10 or even 15 years more with us.”
Man Utd recently lost out to Chelsea on signing Pedro from Barcelona and rumours that they were signing Gareth Bale have been squashed. Still reckoned to need another striker, Man Utd are being linked with a lot of players. But acquiring Neymar would trump pretty much anyone else out there.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734940881labto1734940881ofdlr1734940881owedi1734940881sni@w1734940881ahsra1734940881w.wer1734940881dna1734940881