Paris Saint-Germain are hopeful that they can sign Barcelona superstar Neymar.
The French club are considering activating his £153million release clause in what would be the blockbuster signing of the summer and make him the world’s most expensive player.
PSG are preparing for life without Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season and sources in France have said that Neymar, previously linked with Manchester United, is seen as a high-profile replacement. United are sure to show interest too, but the UK tax laws will impact on landing him.
Neymar’s contract at Barcelona runs until 2018 and the Spanish giants could look to cash in on the 24-year-old while they can.
The Brazilian scored 24 goals in 34 appearances last season as Barca won La Liga but leaked documents recently revealed that Neymar surprisingly earns just £77,000 per week.
That is a long way off what Lionel Messi is paid, with his Barcelona team-mate said to be on more than £250,000 after tax.
Neymar’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro, previously admitted to French newspaper L’Equipe that they would show an interest if PSG were prepared to buy him out of his contract.
‘If PSG show an interest in Neymar, we can discuss it,’ Ribeiro said. ‘A contract can also be terminated provided that the release clause is paid.
‘It’s huge. €193m (£155m). But I don’t think that would be an insurmountable problem for
Ribeiro also admitted the lure of living in Paris could be too good to turn down.
‘He feels good in Barcelona, he’s loved over there, and he’s playing for the best team in the world,’ Ribeiro said. ‘It’s no small feat to impose yourself at such an enormous club.
‘But the prospect of living in a city like Paris and to play for a club like PSG – that’s also a dream for every player.’
Source : Daily Mail – UK
