Transfer News: Neymar shrugs off Manchester United move, says he wants to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona forward Neymar shot down reports earlier this month that he is open for a move to Manchester United. Neymar, who still has four years left in his contract with the Catalan club, said he is happy to stay at Barca with his teammates, assuring that he will not go anywhere anytime soon.

United has been linked with Neymar and is reportedly willing to offer the Brazilian footballer a five-year contract worth £75 million (AU$162 million). However, the Red Devils’ chances to steal one of Barcelona’s offensive trio has come to an end after the 23-year-old Neymar ruled himself out of a move to the Premier League.

"I want to stay at Barcelona, no matter how many million pound offers come from England. The people from Barca can be calm,” Neymar said, reports the Daily Star.

The Brazilian footballer made his return to action from illness in Barca’s 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday in the club’s La Liga title defence. Neymar also said he was calm in dealing with the transfer rumours surrounding him, and he has planned future success with Barcelona.

"I want to make history [with Barcelona]. Regardless of what I will do, I hope it is a beautiful story with a lot of accomplishments that are not only personal, but also team-oriented as well," Neymar said, reports Goal.

According to Sky Sports, United were prepared to shell out £240 million (AU$518.3 million) to bring Neymar to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes. While United has the capability to pull off a record-breaking signing to land Neymar, the Red Devils may have to wait until next summer’s transfer market to launch another attempt to acquire the Barca forward.

Earlier this month, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club does not want Neymar to leave Camp Nou. Bartomeu added that Barca will discuss Neymar’s renewal in some “months’ time” to stay with the club not only for the next three seasons, but for the next 5 or 10 years.

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