Manchester United have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Neymar after the Brazilian superstar insisted he is “happy” at Barcelona and open to penning a new deal with the European Champions.
Neymar, 23, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer and there was even a reported world record bid lodged by the Premier League outfit.
However, Louis van Gaal now looks set to miss out on the Brazil international after encouraging contract talks with the club he signed for back in 2013.
“I am very happy at Barca, and in Barcelona, where I have settled very well,” Neymar is quoted as saying by ESPN. “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 specifically about wanting to renew at Barcelona, he added” “Of course, but that is something we will talk about further down the line.”
With Lionel Messi out injured, Neymar has the chance to become the main man at Barcelona, albeit perhaps only momentarily. The former Santos forward is currently the club’s leading goalscorer in La Liga this season (4).
For more stats on Neymar, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
