'Bullsh*t' - X-rated response to shock Neymar transfer rumour as European heavyweights distance themselves from Brazilian superstar

Despite being 33 years of age, and with injuries having proved problematic of late, Neymar remains a match winner on his day. Clubs across the globe would welcome the opportunity to add such mercurial talent to their respective ranks. It could be that he hits free agency towards the end of the calendar year.

No extension has been agreed at Santos, with Neymar having returned to his roots in January after severing ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. That move was intended to help the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain play-maker rebuild his fitness and recover enjoyment in his game.

Santos have found the going tough at times, but Neymar has shown what he is all about when fit. It is easy to see why a side such as Inter would be interested in adding him to a Serie A title challenge in 2025-26. The Nerazzurri have, however, delivered an X-rated response to shock transfer rumours.

Sporting director Piero Ausilio told Corriere dello Sport when asked if there is any substance to the speculation suggesting that a Brazilian icon could soon make his way to San Siro: "Neymar? Come on, that's bullsh*t. Never contacted, never offered - it's nonsense."

While playing down links to Neymar, Auslilo admits that Inter were keen to get a deal done for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman over the summer - only to see domestic rivals Atalanta play hard ball during negotiations - the winger had even gone public with his desire to leave the Bergamo side. No agreement was reached, though, leading head coach Cristian Chivu to put his faith in others.

Ausilio said: "We tried for Lookman – Atalanta were immovable. But the growth of [Francesco] Pio Esposito and [Ange-Yoan] Bonny allowed us to stay faithful to the 3-5-2. We saw his physical strength and hunger. So Bonny was chosen as a replacement for [Marcus] Thuram and Esposito as a replacement for Lautaro [Martinez]."

Ausilio also conceded that Inter "followed Rasmus Hojlund" before seeing the Danish striker complete a loan move from Premier League giants Manchester United to reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who have repeaed the benefits of that move so far.

He went on to discuss legendary former Inter managers, naming Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti as two of best. He also hailed the leadership skills of Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri, but said of a Portuguese tactician that will always be known as 'The Special One': "Jose Mourinho? Above everyone for what he represents in Inter's history."

Finally, Ausilio addressed his own future. He has seen a move to the Saudi Pro League speculated on, but there is full commitment on his part to a contract in Milan. Ausilio said: "I'm happy where I am. I have a contract until 2027. I've had more lucrative offers before – but I never left Inter."

He added on potential movement for Inter in the January window of 2026: "After just a month and a half, do you really think clubs are already planning January? Fantasies. Football lives in the present."

Inter may well decide to bolster their ranks in the New Year, with trophy challenges needing to be maintained on multiple fronts. It appears unlikely that Neymar will form part of any recruitment drive, but anything is possible as injuries and losses of form could lead to the revision of long and short-term plans.

Chivu's side currently top the Serie A table, having picked up 15 points from seven games, but just five points separate the top nine teams in the division. Inter will be back in action on Tuesday when facing Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, before then taking in a trip to title holders Napoli - who are now managed by highly-decorated former Nerrazzurri boss Conte.