Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has made a stunning claim that either Barcelona superstar Neymar or Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale could indeed be moving to the Premier League with Manchester United next summer.

Earlier this week, former Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed that Barcelona could be forced to sell Neymar to reduce their wage bill and make way for new signings if yearly revenues did not increase substantially.

Balague has now added to the rumours surrounding Neymar by claiming that the Brazilian could be forced to consider a move to Manchester United if he is not number one at the Catalan club, which could be a while considering Lionel Messi is only 28 and is set to be offered a new contract that will see him remain at the club until 2020 at least.

“Neymar feels if he stays there [Barcelona] he won’t be the number one in the world," Balague told talkSPORT.

“He has placed himself in the equation [a move to Manchester United] for the last few months. Neymar is actually thinking ‘what can I do next?’ because Messi is 28 and he’ll be there for a few more years so Neymar will not be allowed to grow,” he added.

Balague has also claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo could be a target for Manchester United next summer provided Gareth Bale proves to President Florentino Perez that he is capable of replacing the club’s all-time record goal scorer.

Bale moved to Madrid from Tottenham for a world-record £85 million (AU $184 million) transfer fee but has struggled to be a hit with the club’s fans and press. Balague thinks Perez is ready to sell Ronaldo provided Bale can replace him effectively.

“Quite clearly a lot will depend on Gareth Bale,” he said. [Real president] Florentino Perez realises now is the time to sell but will Bale be strong enough to take on the responsibility of being the leader of Real Madrid?” Balague asked.

“Bale is being tested to see if he can replace Ronaldo, and if they feel halfway through the season that is the case, then Ronaldo can go,” he added.

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