Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Sr. Talks Real Madrid, Manchester United Rumours

The rumours linking Neymar with a move to Real Madrid are seemingly endless.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial have become the latest to link the parties, reporting that Neymar has held two meetings with Madrid officials.



And Barca might have little option but to sell their Brazilian star due to a crippling financial situation.

The father of Barcelona star Neymar has dismissed speculation linking the Brazilian forward with a possible move to Real Madrid, although he has confirmed there was genuine interest from Manchester United last summer.

As reported by Sport, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is a long-term admirer of Neymar and hasn’t completely given up hope of signing him, even though he plays for Madrid’s bitter rivals.
However, Neymar Sr., who also acts as the player’s representative, says he wouldn’t push his son to move to the capital, even though he’d likely be very well paid, per ESPN Brazil (h/t Sport):

Neymar has his own life—I can’t force him go to Real Madrid. He’s creating his own history and he’s happy with his life. I can’t put that at risk, he is my son and my client. I have to think about his happiness and not just money. …
His future is here, where he has three more years on his contract. The only offer [to sign him] was rejected by Barca—that was from Manchester United, but [Neymar] wants to stay.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague admitted that Barcelona are “preparing” for Neymar’s departure, if their hand is forced.
In a Q&A with Sky Sports, the Balague wrote: “Is the club trying to put Neymar for sale? Not fully, but they are preparing the way in case they have to. The player's side has got a clear timing. His contract will be renewed, they say, at some point this year.

“But the club is scared that might take the debt to new highs. He has flirted with the Premier League, but he wants to stay.”

Barcelona know that the incredible feats of their ‘MSN’ strike force will soon hurt their wallet. Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have combined to score 122 goals this season and that sort of return doesn’t come cheap.

Balague added: “Without a sponsor they cannot realistically afford the renewal of Neymar, plus the consequent ones of Messi and then Luis Suarez.”