Rumours: Manchester giants prepared to activate release clause of Barcelona's Neymar
The Brazilian is continuously being linked with a move away from Camp Nou with latest rumours suggesting that both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in securing the services of the Brazilian captain.
Neymar’s release clause is rumoured to be around £144 million and both Manchester United and Manchester City are ready to activate his release clause and lure him to England.
Barcelona has been trying to get the Brazilian to sign a new contract, however, it has yet to come to fruition. With contract talks stalking, rumour mills have linked him to a host of clubs including Real Madrid, PSG, and now the Manchester giants.
According to the Sun, Neymar’s father was quoted as saying:
“There is no reason why he should sign a new deal at Barcelona.”
Manchester United’s CEO Ed Woodward has long been an admirer of Neymar, however, Pep Guardiola’s recent appointment at Manchester City might lure Neymar away to the blue half of Manchester with the Brazilian himself quoting recently:
“I would love to play under Pep Guardiola. He is one of the world’s best managers and it will be a pleasure to play in a team managed by him.”
However, the people who matter at Barcelona are calm with many thinking that Neymar is only looking for some leverage in his contract talks with Barcelona.
Neymar certain to extend deal says Barcelona vice president
Barcelona vice president, Carles Villarubi is certain Neymar will extend his contract at Camp Nou.
"Neymar will renew his contract," he told Radio Catalunya. "It will be when he wants, and when the club wants. We are absolutely certain.
"He is committed to the team and is happy with his team-mates. The club gives him a lot of happiness."
He also added that rumours regarding Sergio Busquets and Ter Stegen were unfounded saying:
"We are convinced that Sergio will wear the shirt of Barcelona for many years.
"Also [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen, Neymar…They are the first to enjoy Barcelona and they show on the pitch their desire to wear the shirt. Fans can sleep at ease with the possibility that Guardiola will take any players; they are very committed."
Barcelona will want to end the speculation surrounding Neymar’s future sooner rather than later.