Neymar to Manchester United: 'Secret talks' planned with Barcelona over transfer of Brazil striker
Louis van Gaal desperate to add attacking reinforcements
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United are planning to make a move for Barcelona striker Neymar, according to a report.
According to The Sun, the Red Devils will make a discreet approach to Nou Camp officials about the possibility of signing the Brazil star.
The report comes amid serious concern over Manchester United's transfer policy, which has seen them miss out on a number of major targets. Pedro joined Chelsea, Sergio Ramos agreed a new deal at Real Madrid and Nicolas Otamendi joined Manchester City, however Louis van Gaal denied United were ever interested in the latter.
The chances of Barcelona being prepared to sell Neymar seem slim at best. The striker has been brilliant at the Nou Camp since joining from Santos in 2013, scoring 54 goals in 92 games. Meanwhile the club are under a transfer embargo until January, meaning they could not sign a replacement.
Van Gaal appears to be a fan though. Speaking earlier in the summer, the Manchester United manager name-checked Neymar when talking about the best players.
"Barcelona have Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez," he said. "We, as Manchester United, have to compete with these clubs. So we have to look also for these kind of players.
"When it is possible to buy, for a reasonable price, players from that level, we shall do that, because they are better."
He also expressed a view that Manchester United winger Ashley Young is not at the level of the Brazil star.
"Ashley Young had a fantastic season last time, but he is not a Neymar, and we have to compete with that kind of class."
Manchester United have also been linked with other targets, including Edinson Cavani and Thomas Muller. Van Gaal's current options include Wayne Rooney, James Wilson and Javier Hernandez.
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments