Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly set to battle it out over the £100m signing of Barcelona forward Neymar, with Jose Mourinho heavily linked previously.
The Brazilian international has been in fine form again this season, but ultimately he remains in the shadow of Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp, and as noted by The Express, that has led to his father advising him to leave.
Further, the report claims that Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are both keen to sign Neymar this summer, the former being a long-term admirer, but it will take a bid of around £100m to prise him away from the Catalan giants.
The 25-year-old has scored 19 goals and provided 25 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions so far this season, and has continued to be a pivotal figure for Barca despite the fact that they look set to fall short of their ultimate objectives.
Whether he’s willing to leave at this stage with a new coach coming in remains to be seen, but both United and City have been tipped to make major signings this summer as Mourinho and Guardiola continue to strengthen their respective squads, and making Neymar the focal point of their attack would seemingly suit all parties.
However, time will tell if it’s achievable as the report adds that Mourinho in particular has been linked with other marquee names this summer as the Red Devils will look to make another splash in the transfer market, 12 months on from making the world-record signing of Paul Pogba.
The Portuguese tactician is seemingly set to test how deep the United pockets are, but perhaps Guardiola and City are ready to rival him this summer.