Amidst internal turmoil and unhappiness over tax issues in Spain, rumors have emerged that Brazilian captain Neymar is looking to join Manchester United next summer for a world record-breaking £140 million transfer.
The Daily Star reported that the Red Devils are currently "preparing to trigger Neymar's £140 million release clause", which would be activated by Louis van Gaal this summer, citing French paper Le 10 Sport as the source of the speculations.
Neymar is presently negotiating with his current club, La Liga's FC Barcelona, for a potential multi-year contract extension, but talks have stalled because of compensation issues and also due to the tax problems the 23-year-old is facing in Spain.
"We're talking about my renewal. I'm optimistic. But I don't know what will happen," the Brazil international told reporters last month, hinting to an uncertainty of his future with the Catalonia residents.
United's efforts to lure the Barça winger had started last summer when club officials reached out to Neymar's representatives and expressed their interest in signing him. No bids were officially sent, though, as van Gaal and the Red Devils seemed to be biding their time for the perfect moment to place one.
Caught Offside noted that "United will offer the player an enormous wage packet to convince him to make the move to Old Trafford, and will be watching the progress regarding his deal with Barça closely over the coming months".
Neymar has been plagued with injuries and suspensions this year that limited his number of appearances for both club and country, yet he is still considered as one of the top three best footballers in the world today behind Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.