Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG in the race to sign Barcelona's Neymar - reports
The future of Neymar has been subject to intense speculation and new reports have emerged linking the Barcelona superstar to Manchester United. The forward is in talks with Barcelona to sign a new five-year contract but reports from the Express claim that Neymar is analysing Manchester United’s offer. The Old Trafford giants have struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure and signing Neymar might just be the tonic required to revive their fortunes.
The report says that Neymar will meet with Barcelona representatives for crunch talks about his contract after the Copa Del Rey final against Sevilla. Although Neymar’s first preference is to stay at Barcelona, it is believed that he will make a move if all his demands are not met.
Manchester United are not the only ones ready to make an offer with Real Madrid and French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain also interested in securing the services of the Barcelona superstar. The new contract offerred from Barcelona will increase his release clause to £170m and see a huge hike in his wage.
Neymar concedes he has not been at his best for Barcelona
Speaking to Globo Esporte, the Brazilian captain said, "This hasn't been my best season. I always like to improve upon my own numbers and accomplishments, each day I want to do better. I am proud of the league title we have won, not just my own performance, but that of the entire team. I have to congratulate my teammates for all the hard work they have done this season. This title took a lot of sweat, it was difficult. But in the end, we got our reward."
The season has proved to be a roller-coaster ride for Barcelona. The Catalans squandered an 11-point gap over Real Madrid following a shocking dip in form in April, losing three games in a row. But all is well that ends well.
"We must give even more value to the league title we have won," Neymar said, adding that they’ll use the lows for motivation in the next season, "We cannot forget what has happened this season and we must keep it in mind for the next one. Of course, we want the Champions League title. Next season we will once again fight for it."
The club is fully focussed on winning the Copa Del Ray in Sunday’s final and the winger believes that adding two titles to their belt will ease the pain of the Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
"We always want to win titles and now we have a new final," he said: "We have already won one and this week we have the second one within reach. We are all happy and motivated to win the Copa del Rey after having won La Liga.”