Santos- Neymar hunt hotting up

Last updated : 20 June 2011 By Team Talk

The Brazilian is one of the hottest properties of the summer transfer market, with Chelsea and Manchester City also linked with the player, but Ribeiro insists no negotiations can take place until after his side's Copa Libertadores final second leg against Penarol on Wednesday night.

Ribeiro admits the race for the teenager is hotting up and hinted that his sizeable release clause would have to be met before Santos would consider selling.

"It is not just Madrid; a lot of other clubs in Europe have been calling us," Ribeiro told a press conference.

"It is no surprise - it would be strange if they didn't want him.

"If they pay the buy-out clause of 45million euros and the player wants to go, there is nothing we could do."

Nevertheless, the Santos chief hopes his side can hang on to the 19-year-old - especially if they win the Copa Libertadores.

"The clubs can talk to Neymar after the Libertadores, but I am sure that if we win the title, the reasons for Neymar to stay will be even stronger," he said.

"I know mind-blowing offers will arrive, but the player will benefit more if he keeps developing here."

Success for Santos on Wednesday would ensure a place in the Club World Championship in December, while Ribeiro also revealed ambitious plans for the club's centenary year.

"Next year we celebrate our centenary; we are hopeful of bringing Robinho and Diego back to the club, and of keeping Elano and Ganso, and Neymar could be the biggest star of that movie," he said.

"Santos will write a page in the history of world football that will change the lives of the footballers involved."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk