Barcelona star Neymar confirms Manchester City interest

By Lyall Thomas

Image: Neymar is currently negotiating a new contract at Barcelona but his father has warned there are tax issues

Barcelona star Neymar has confirmed he is aware of Manchester City's interest in signing him.

The 23-year-old is currently negotiating a new contract at the Nou Camp but his father Neymar Santos Snr recently cast doubt over his future at the club over tax issues.

Neymar's father also confirmed in October that Manchester United made a world-record offer for the Brazil international forward in the summer, which Barcelona flatly rejected.

He returned from a short Christmas break with his family to Barcelona's El Prat airport on Sunday and, when asked by Spanish media including Diario AS whether he was aware of City's interest, he said: "Yes, yes."

Neymar was also asked about possibly leaving Barcelona in the future, and he added: "I don't know, life is long."

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Neymar's current five-year contract, signed when he joined from Santos for £49m in 2013, runs out in 2018 and Barcelona are keen to renew it and increase his £140m release clause.

Neymar scored for Barcelona in their 3-0 win over Villarreal last month with this superb piece of skill and finish on the volley

But father and manager Neymar Santos Sr said last month: "We've begun contract renewal talks, but there are outstanding issues that concern us, and which need to be resolved.

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"We are not thinking of leaving Spain but we have a problem. We've never experienced such major tax issues.

"I don't want to use the word persecution, but if the working environment here is not good, we won't be able to remain in Spain and will have to leave the country."

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