Football: Santos quash Neymar deal reports

A report in AS stated a €10 million deal was in place, which would give Barca the right to buy Neymar before 2014.

Santos have scotched reports that European champions Barcelona have negotiated the first option on star striker Neymar, according to espn.co.uk.

A report in AS stated a €10 million deal was in place, which would give Barca the right to conclude a transfer for Neymar before 2014. But Santos has issued a strong rebuttal. “Reports claiming that Barca would’ve guaranteed priority in any future sale of Neymar are false,” read a statement. “He’ll stay with the club at least until the 2014 World Cup.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2011.