Football
Adriana Garcia 9y

Barcelona yet to discuss new contract extension with Neymar

Barcelona have yet to set a date for a meeting with Neymar's agent to discuss a contract extension, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said.

Neymar, 23, was recently linked with Manchester United, with reports in England claiming the Red Devils were prepared to spend £240 million -- £130m on Neymar's buyout clause and the remainder on tying the player to a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

The Brazil captain is currently tied to Barca until June 2018 and the club -- in response to the United speculation -- recently expressed their intention to reward the forward with a new and improved deal that would reportedly make him the second highest-paid player at the Camp Nou after Lionel Messi.

Neymar scored 43 goals in all competitions last season as part of Barca's record-setting attack to help the club secure the Treble.

And in a radio interview with Catalan station RAC 1, as reported in Mundo Deportivo, Bartomeu said: "We don't have a fixed date set with his [Neymar's] father -- his agent -- to speak but Neymar is a very important player and we want our important players to remain at our club."

Neymar had been a target of United's city rivals Manchester City and Chelsea two years ago, but the player opted to joined Barca instead from Santos.

The Catalan club have come under fire for the way they signed Neymar -- a Spanish court has investigated the transfer amid allegations that Barca made a declaration that they spent €57.1m for the player but in reality paid "at least'' €83.371m.

Barca, Bartomeu and his predecessor, Sandro Rosell, are to stand trial for alleged tax evasion, but the current Blaugrana chief believes the allegations are part of a campaign to discredit the club.

"Some didn't like that Neymar had signed for Barca, that he is part of the most spectacular attacking trio currently in football, and they do all they can to create obstacles, but the club defends the player," Bartomeu said.

"We will continue to defend the club and the player. I will continue to defend the interests of Barcelona. What I don't want is for this to affect the player although it's difficult. I hope it is resolved as soon as possible."

^ Back to Top ^