Real Madrid resist temptation to sacrifice star winger for Neymar
Real Madrid are not willing to part company with Vinicius Junior in order to land Neymar from Paris Saint Germain, according to reports.
Los Blancos are locked in a battle with arch rivals Barcelona to get Neymar to return to La Liga this summer, but a straight cash deal is increasingly difficult for both sides – meaning players will have to be exchanged as well as money.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was suggested that Madrid were ready to propose Isco, Marcelo and Raphael Varane to PSG in their bid for Neymar, with Barca putting Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic and Ousmane Dembele on the table in their own offer.
However, reports in Spain suggest PSG have asked Madrid for a different package altogether, with Marca claiming that they want cash plus Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior.
While Modric’s qualities are well-known, Vinicius would be a more direct replacement for Neymar, as they play in a similar position – with PSG director Leonardo viewing him as an ideal solution, believing he has a better character than his compatriot.
Despite this interest, Madrid are not willing to let Vinicius go just one year after he joined from Flamengo, and maintain that he is not for sale.