Neymar, Ronaldo & stars who took advantage of external offers to improve their contracts

Year: 2005
Under contract with: Liverpool
Courted by: Chelsea

Not long after the turn of the century, Chelsea tried to lure Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to London.

It is said that the Scouser gave serious thought to the move, having already won the Champions League with the Reds but continued to find Premier League glory elusive.

In the end, following a group of fans burning a Gerrard jersey near Liverpool's training centre, the former England international backtracked.

His loyalty was rewarded with a contract extension and a reported wage bump up to around £130,000 per week ($170,000).

In the aftermath, Stevie G claimed it was never his intention to leave. Whether you want to believe that or not is entirely up to you.

Year: 2005
Under contract with: Roma
Courted by: Real Madrid

Francesco Totti is an icon in Rome, there can be no disputing that.

The fact that he spent his entire career in the Eternal City provides the simple explanation required to understand the legendary status he enjoys in the Italian capital.

However, the Giallorossi hit a wobble during Totti's peak years and the striker was close to moving on to pastures new: Real Madrid.

Attracted by the opportunity to be named the next Galactico and having been consistently courted by Florentino Perez, the Italian was eventually convinced by his family and the Roma president to stay put.

Year: 2013
Under contract with: Liverpool
Courted by: Arsenal

In the summer of 2013, it became apparent that Arsenal were keen to sign an in-form Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

Mere days before the end of the transfer window, a deal looked to have been struck and 'El Pistolero' was preparing to be labelled a traitor on Merseyside.

After a long chat with Brendan Rodgers, however, the Uruguayan changed his mind and stayed at Anfield.

Months later, Suarez was handed a new contract with a lucrative salary of £200,000 per week ($265,000), which at the time was a new record for the Reds.

That hefty wage pack, however, would not be enough to stop him joining Barcelona after the World Cup in Brazil.

Year: 2015
Under contract with: Real Madrid
Courted by: Manchester United

Louis van Gaal was desperate to sign some on-field leaders during his time at Manchester United and who better than Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos? Ramos was the Dutch manager's priority and discussions were opened between the two parties.

At the time, Madrid were going through a transitional season and Zinedine Zidane had not yet taken the reins. Ramos weighed up the pros and cons and eventually decided the best thing to do was stay put.

That decision may well have been helped along by Florentino Perez, however, who handed the centre-back a shiny new five-year contract worth €50 million (£42m/$56m).

Year: 2015
Under contract with: Barcelona
Courted by: Manchester United

Having joined Barcelona in 2013, Neymar quickly established himself as a first-team regular, linking up wonderfully with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

The 'MSN' trio was a nightmare for defences across Europe but Man Utd felt they could prise Neymar away from the free-scoring Blaugrana with a bid of €173 million (£147m/$195m).

Barca, however, rebuffed the offer.

The Brazilian continued with the Catalans for another year before swapping Spain for France in 2016, with PSG having paid his €240m (£205m/$270m) buyout clause in full.

Year: 2016
Under contract with: Real Madrid
Courted by: PSG

The man who whispered in Laurent Blanc's ear.

During a Champions League night, the Portuguese goal-machine approached the then PSG coach for a quiet word.

Of course, fans and pundits across the globe interpreted the gesture as a 'come get me plea'. Ronaldo had no intention of moving, but his plan worked to perfection.

By pretending to want out, Florentino Perez opened his wallet and granted the five-time Ballon d'Or winner his umpteenth payrise - €32 million per year (£27m/$36m).

Year: 2017
Under contract with: Barcelona
Courted by: Manchester City

In 2017, Manchester City were allegedly ready to break the bank to sign a player many regard as the best in the world.

The rumour mill was in full swing, reporting figures of a €250 million (£212/$280m) bid plus a salary of €50m (£42.5/$56m) per year for five seasons.

Of course, no move would happen, but the rumblings led to Messi becoming one of the highest paid athletes in the world.

The Argentine made a massive €40m (£34m/$45m) in the last two season, not counting bonuses and advertising revenue.

Year: 2018
Under contract with: Atletico Madrid
Courted by: Barcelona

In front of a backdrop the best Hollywood directors would be proud of, Antoine Griezmann created a massive air of suspense in 2018 when he had to decide to stay in Madrid or move to Barcelona.

The gesture played on the nerves of both camps, but the French striker was – and is – in very high demand.

In the end, he decided to stay. The 'sporting project' of Atleti made up his mind, presumably with a little help from his improved contract.

The World Cup winner got what he wanted, but could be on the way out again this summer.