‘The truth’ behind Manchester United’s supposed interest in Neymar

How long until something officially become 'a saga'?

The Neymar to Manchester United rumour has only been knocking around for a few days but already it feels like an eternity, the kind of drawn-out summer transfer saga that makes you wish you'd never bothered getting into football in the first place (see Gareth Bale to Real Madrid; Or anyone good in or out of Arsenal). When rumours of United's interest in Neymar broke, there was firstly anger directed towards the newspaper that broke the story (The Sun) and the journalist who wrote it (Neil Custis). Then there was anger at Ed Woodward for, presumably, being so foolish as to travel to Barcelona and pass up the opportunity to land a more realistic target, Pedro, in favour of making enquiries over the Brazilian star. https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/634424851755892736 Then there just seemed to be general bemusement at the sheer mind-boggling-ness of the numbers that were being bandied around for a deal that nobody really believed would ever happen. Well now, in a column for Eurosport, renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims to reveal 'the truth' of the situation as it stands. He breaks it down as this...

1. Neymar's contract has three seasons left to run and it would seem that if you're a global elite player this is when you start throwing shapes about your new deal. Balague believes that this saga will run and run and soon United's name will be joined in the speculative headlines by Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain and Chelsea as the only clubs that could possibly afford the Brazilian.

2. Neymar's name was never mentioned during Woodward's trip to Barcelona where, according to Balague, he expressed some interest in Pedro but 'without much enthusiasm'. Pedro then decided he was more wanted at Chelsea. Woodward did take a tour of the Barcelona museum, however.

3. You can expect to read a headline in Brazilian paper O Globo very shortly about how Neymar will be fulfilling a lifelong dream when he signs for United for €190m. This, according to Balague, is a leak from Neymar's family, who look after his interests. And then some.

4. Neymar's people will attempt top draw this out for as long as possible - three years! - with his bargaining power becoming ever greater the closer the Brazilian gets to his current deal. So hang in there. This promises to be a long (and very boring) ride.

5. This is all about cold hard cash.

6. Neymar will sign a new deal at Barca at the end of it all.

And that's the truth according to Guillem Balague. You can read his full take on the Eurosport website here.