Santos president willing to listen to Neymar bids

23-May-2012 7:15:00 PM

Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and PSG were all named as potential destinations for the forward, who could leave before the 2014 World Cup in his homeland

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has admitted that Neymar could leave the Copa Libertadores holders as early as 2013, and also claimed that some of Europe's most prestigious clubs are interested in taking the young phenomenon across the Atlantic.

Despite fierce competition between the likes of La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid to secure the 20-year-old Brazil international's signature, both Neymar and his club have maintained that they would not be rushed into a sale.

The player, valued at over €50 million by Peixe directors, signed a new contract at the end of 2011 and committed his future to Santos until the next World Cup, on home soil.

According to Ribeiro, however, the club would be prepared to listen to offers before the previously-agreed date.

"He will not leave until at least next year, but we are interested in talking with the clubs that want him," the chief explained to Tuttosport.

Ribeiro continued to explain that, besides the Spanish institutions, there were plenty of other clubs who would jump at the chance of signing his star.

"It is not just Mourinho's Real Madrid; Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and PSG also want him."

Neymar will next be in action on Thursday evening, when Santos take on Velez Sarsfield as they bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals.