Source: Team_Talk
Quintet meet Neymar price
Santos have confirmed five clubs have met Neymar's release clause of £40.3million with Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be among them.[LNB] The five teams are understood to be Real Madrid, Barcelona, Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala and Premier League pair Chelsea and City.[LNB]It was previously believed that Real and Chelsea, who have been tracking Neymar for sometime, were leading the chase with the Spaniards in pole position.[LNB]But now it has emerged that they are not alone in the race for his signature, with Barca and City also showing their hand.[LNB]The outsiders of the five are Anzhi Makhachkala - although they have plenty of finances and they would hope their current Brazilian contingent, which includes Roberto Carlos, could help push a deal through.[LNB]Now the clubs in question are set for talks, according to Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro.[LNB]"We don't want to sell the player, but of course there is a release clause in his contract that can be paid and five European clubs have offered to match the clause," Ribeiro told ESPN Brasil.[LNB]"I cannot name them because there is an agreement between Santos and the clubs, but they are the most important European clubs. [LNB]"They have asked to speak to the player and obviously we've allowed them to.[LNB]"The clubs have behaved ethically. They sought out Santos first and were willing to pay the clause. With this ethical approach, they can talk to anyone - with Neymar's father, with [agent] Wagner Ribeiro, and with the representatives of Neymar."[LNB]Ribeiro also took time to have a dig at Chelsea over their previous attempt to land the 19-year-old.[LNB]"Last year, Chelsea's attitude was different. Their first action was to seek out the player's representatives," he stated.[LNB]He also remains confident that, after helping Santos lift the Copa Libertadores earlier this month, he could stay put and reject the move to Europe.[LNB]"These clubs can come along and make their offerings, but if he wants to stay at Santos he can say no and continue at Santos," he concluded.
