Man United are reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona star Neymar’s situation in Spain as they consider a big-money move to sign the Brazilian international.
As reported by The Daily Record, Jose Mourinho is aware of the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not the long-term answer up front for United, while Wayne Rooney isn’t going to tick those boxes either.
In turn, he wants to move for a world-class individual to fill the role beyond the pair’s time at Old Trafford, and it’s claimed that he has identified Neymar as one of his top targets.
It’s added that although the 24-year-old signed a new contract in July, the release clause in the new deal was slightly reduced in the first year, but goes on to increase year-on-year.
As a result, if United do indeed harbour ambitions of signing him, then ultimately they would be well advised to move now as opposed to allowing the release clause to increase which in turn will make their hopes of prising him away from the La Liga champions much more difficult.
It’s also noted that the legal issues surrounding Neymar’s move to Barca have continued to make him question his future, and whether or not an exit from Spain would see them disappear if he opted to leave the Nou Camp.
Further, it’s claimed that his desire to be the focal point of a team could also drive him out of the club, and ultimately he won’t get that at Barca for some time yet given Lionel Messi’s on-going presence and with Luis Suarez playing such a pivotal role since his arrival from Liverpool in 2014.
The former Santos starlet has still been crucial to his side’s success though, and already has six goals and 13 assists in 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
It’s reported by The Daily Record that it will take a deal worth around £180m for United to convince Barcelona to sell, all depending on whether or not Neymar chooses to leave.
PSG have also been linked with a move, and so it promises to be an intriguing summer with Neymar potentially at the centre of a major record-breaking transfer saga.