Neymar’s father confirms Manchester United tried to sign son from Barcelona

Neymar’s father has confirmed Manchester United did try to sign his son earlier this year.

Neymar Santos Sr admitted United bid for his son this summer but Barcelona rejected the offer out of hand.

“The offer reached Barcelona and the club contacted us saying they were not going to sell,” he told Boa Tarde Fox. “They asked if we were interested but that wasn’t the case. Barcelona are not selling, he has three years still to go on his contract.

“It was Manchester’s deal, but that offer is not on the table now, it has fallen through.”

Neymar joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013 for a reported €57.1m (£48.6m), though there has been controversy over the precise amount paid, leading to allegations of tax fraud against senior Barcelona figures. After an inconsistent first season, he scored 39 goals the following year to help Barcelona win the Primera División and the Champions League.