The 19-year-old Santos forward is one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer market. His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, insists a move to Madrid, long-standing admirers of the player, is Neymar's preference but that Barcelona are the more attractive option for his current club.
When Chelsea had a ?25million bid rejected in August, Neymar was rewarded with a five-year contract that quadrupled his earnings to ?55,000 a week.
Copa load of that: Neymar is currently on duty with Brazil at the Copa America
And Ribeiro claims Barca are prepared to wait until after they and Copa Libertadores winners Santos have competed in the Club World Cup in December. That would enable Santos president Luis Alvaro De Oliveira to honour a pledge he made that Neymar would lead the team at the tournament in Japan before moving to Europe.
Ribeiro said: 'The exact situation is as follows: Barcelona want him next year and will pay next year, Madrid want him now and are prepared to pay now.
'The main problem is that the kid (Neymar) wants to play in the Club World Cup against Barcelona, and Santos are using their force to make him choose Barca.'
Complete package: The forward has scored and made several goals for Brazil so far
He added in Spanish newspaper AS: 'The numbers being talked about by both clubs (Madrid and Barcelona) are good, but Neymar would prefer a move to Madrid.'
Ribeiro insists Neymar will make a final decision once Brazil's involvement in the Copa America is at an end.
Reports last week suggested Real Madrid had agreed to pay the ?40million release clause in his contract. The club are banking on their relationship with former striker Ronaldo to help the deal along. The World Cup winner's company '9ine' has a contract with Neymar to help him find sponsors.
Noises out of Santos continue to be contradictory.
No laughing matter: The chase for Neymar is turning into one of the summer's biggest sagas
'The fans love Neymar, not only how he plays, but for his human qualities,' said president Luis Alvaro earlier this month. 'That love is shared by millions of other Brazilians who admire him regardless of the club to which he belongs.
'In any case, the response of Santos is that we are not yet considering any offer for his transfer. Neymar will return to Santos (after the Copa America) and we will make efforts to retain and keep him happy for many years.'
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail