According to reports from The Independent this morning, Neymar’s father has confirmed Manchester United launched an official bid for the Barcelona forward during the summer.
The 23 year-old, who bagged 39 goals in 51 appearances last season to help fire the Nou Camp outfit to a La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble, was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Rumour has it the Red Devils were prepared to activate his £130million release clause amid their arduous search for a new front-man, which eventually resulted in a £36million swoop for Monaco’s teenage prodigy Anthony Martial.
According to The Independent, Neymar’s father – Neymar Senior – has now confirmed United made an ‘official transfer offer’ but admits there was no chance of the European champions selling.
He told Brazilian publication Globo; “Man United’s offer came to Barça and they told us they won’t sell. They asked if we were interested, but it wasn’t the case. Barcelona does not sell Neymar, because he has a three year contract.”
The Brazil international is still allegedly a target of the Red Devils but Barcelona remain determined to tie him down to an improved long-term contract.
Earlier this month, Neymar insisted that he’s happy at the Nou Camp and wants to sign a new deal, telling reporters; “I am very happy at Barca, and in Barcelona, where I have settled very well. I have three more years left on my contract and my father looks after these things. My only concern at the moment is to be focused on helping the team and to keep winning trophies at Barca.”
When asked if he wanted to sign a new deal, the attacker replied; “Of course, but that is something we will talk about further down the line.”
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