It just wouldn’t be summer without James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Neymar ‘reportedly’ trying to force their way out of Spain’s biggest two clubs in order to play alongside Phil Jones at Manchester United.
Earlier in the week, we’ve been told that Rodriguez’s move to Old Trafford will be confirmed on Sunday and that Bale, via his representatives, had made it clear that he wants to be part of Jose Mourinho’s squad should he leave Real Madrid.
Now, just in time for the weekend, it seems Neymar could be on the way to Manchester, too.
Fed up of living in the shadow of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Diario Gol (via BBC), reckon the Brazilian’s father has advised him to leave Camp Nou in a bid to establish himself as the greatest footballer on the planet.
United, as they are always are these days, are said to be interested. The report claims that United are keen to bring him to Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho looks to continue his big-spending plan to re-establish United as one of Europe’s top clubs.
A win in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm might be a good place to start. Assuming they are about to make a serious play for Neymar – which almost certainly won’t happen – United know that the lure of Champions League football is essential. With it now impossible for them to finish in the top four, a win against the Dutch club is the only way they can secure a return to the competition next season.
Win that, and maybe then stories about signing Neymar might seem slightly more believable.
