Neymar admits Manchester United contacted him this summer
Brazilian starlet Neymar has revealed that Manchester United had contacted him in the summer transfer window over a potential move to the Old Trafford, but the discussions fell as he never received a firm offer, reports Skysports.
Speculations linking the Barcelona forward with the Red Devils emerged in August after Louis van Gaal failed to secure another of Catalunya’s star Pedro who was hijacked by Chelsea at the last minute. Chairman Ed Woodward reportedly placed an audacious bid in order to lure the Selecao star from Spain who was recognised as a solution to their problems up front.
However, Neymar has stated that despite talks with the Premier League outfit, there weren’t any firm offers from their end.
"We had conversations, but there was nothing concrete," he told ESPN Brazil. "I heard that there were offers but none were made to me."
Having missed out on signing the attacker this summer, Van Gaal may have to fork out even more money if they are to pursue Neymar in the future.
Neymar to get an improved contract at the Camp Nou
The 23-year-old is expected to open talks with Barcelona over a new deal and he plans on raising his game further, targeting a run competing with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo et al for the most prestigious individual prize.
"I want to keep giving my all and evolve season to season. I hope I will be on the Ballon d'Or podium this year," he added.
Neymar was instrumental in Barcelona’s second treble winning season last term alongside his attacking partners Messi and Suarez. The Brazilian scored the winner in the Champions League against Juventus and finished as the joint top-scorer of the competition.
While United were in contact with the former Santos winger, many believed it was a ploy from the Brazil international to get an improved contract from the officials at Camp Nou. Barca’s committee have already indicated that a new deal is being sorted out for the 23-year-old who has been viewed as the future star of the club.
Blaugrana manager Luis Enrique did not deny an approach had been made at the time but deflected any questions about the matter.
"Talking about Neymar and other clubs doesn't interest me," he said a month ago.
"I don't talk about rumours. I focus on what happens in my team."
United turned to Monaco youngster Anthony Martial on deadline day after they failed to sign any marquee name over the summer. The 19-year-old was brought in for a hefty price tag which raised questions over the club’s transfer policy. But the Frenchman’s career has got off to a good start at the Old Trafford as he has looked promising in his first few games.