CHELSEA and Manchester City have entered a five-way shootout to sign Neymar.
The Premier League pair are hoping to land the Santos striker after meeting
his £40million release clause.
But they face stiff competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have also
met the asking price.
Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala are also believed to have bid for Neymar but it
is unlikely the Brazilian will go there.
Santos president Luis Ribeiro said: “We don’t want to sell the player but
there is a release clause in his contract that can be paid.
“Five European clubs have offered to match the clause.
“I cannot name them because there is an agreement between Santos and the clubs
but they are the most important clubs in Europe.
“They have asked to speak to the player and obviously we’ve allowed them to.
“The clubs have behaved ethically. They sought out Santos first and were
willing to pay the clause.
“With this ethical approach, they can talk to anyone – with Neymar’s father,
with his agent Wagner Ribeiro, and with the representatives of Neymar.”
Chelsea tried to sign Neymar last summer but their offer was rejected.
Ribeiro also revealed he was unhappy with the way the Blues went about their
business.
He added: “Last year, Chelsea’s attitude was different. Their first action was
to seek out the player’s representatives.”