Neymar: Guardiola ‘makes call’ to hijack Man Utd deal as Man City devastate Ten Hag dreams of sensational double PSG raid
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly reaching out to Neymar to discover if he’s genuinely leaving PSG this summer and in an apparent attempt to hijack a proposed move to Manchester United.
The Brazilian superstar appears to have reached something of a career crossroads and amid claims his time in France could be coming to an end. Still the world’s costliest star of all time, he moved to the Ligue 1 giants in a €222m (£198m) back in 2017.
However, despite scoring 118 goals from 173 appearances across six seasons, reports claim PSG are willing to sanction his sale.
The 31-year-old missed the last few months of the season through injury. And the star was notable for his absence in the club’s recent title celebrations.
That has fueled suggestions that Neymar’s time in PSG could soon be over.
And the Ligue 1 giants are reportedly open to his sale. In a bid to remodel their approach, they are seeking to embrace a younger, French recruitment drive.
With Lionel Messi also likely to depart, two of PSG’s most famous stars could find themselves heading elsewhere this summer.
And while the 124-times capped Brazil star has potentially seen better days, few clubs globally could finance a possible transfer.
That said, reports claim Neymar is keen to test himself in the Premier League were he to leave.
Chelsea are among those being linked with co-owner Todd Boehly already having shown his ambition on the transfer front.
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Guardiola in contact with Man Utd target Neymar
However, it is Manchester United who are seemingly the side with the strongest links to the player. And while Sky Sports have moved to play down the chances of a deal, Neymar himself is reportedly keen on a move.
United’s takeover saga should soon reach a positive conclusion with Sheikh Jassim hoping to be named preferred bidder. And should that happen, speculation over several ambitious signings will only increase.
In addition to Neymar, United are also reportedly exploring a possible deal for his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe. Citing reports from Spain, Football365 claim plans are underway for Neymar and Mbappe to both move to United and form a devastating new front pairing.
However, those reported plans could be up in smoke before they have even got off thr ground.
Now reports in France claim Neymar has been the subject of a phone call from Manchester City boss Guardiola to determine his plans for next season.
And while L’Equipe reports that Casemiro is pushing for Neymar to join United, the same outlet claims Guardiola is also on his case for City.
Bizarrely, the article claims Guardiola is not in any immediate rush to sign Neymar. However, he does want more to ascertain the player’s state of mind over a potential transfer.
They claim Guardiola is, however, content with his attacking options right now. Indeed, with Erling Haaland flanked by Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Riyah Mahrez and Phil Foden, City boast one of the best attacks in the world.
Neymar option for City and United
However, it’s indicated they could look to explore a possible deal if the variables add up. To that end, the transfer fees involved, player’s wage demand and his willingness to sign, are all under scrutiny.
Nonetheless, the paper still sees United as the more likely side to push for Neymar’s signature this summer.
Ten Hag’s side need a new big-name forward. And with Neymar ending the season with 18 goals and 17 assists from 29 appearances, he could fit the bill. That amounts to a goal involvement every 0.82 appearances.