Rom gets OK in £40m Neymar bid

Posted Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by The Sun

CHELSEA have been given permission to speak to Neymar after offering £40million for the Brazilian superstar.

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has confirmed FIVE European clubs have agreed to meet the buy-out clause in Neymar's contract.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich must now see off the rival interest — believed to come from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

Ribeiro said: "We did not want to sell Neymar but there is a contractual clause of £40m.

"Five of the most important European clubs offered to meet that clause. They asked to speak to the player and we have given them permission.

"The clubs have all been ethical. They have come to Santos first and can speak to the player, his father and his agents.

"Last year Chelsea's attitude was different. They went to the player's representatives first and their offer was rejected by Santos."

The 19-year-old forward, rated an even better prospect than Lionel Messi, is currently playing for Brazil in the Copa America.

He is thought to favour a move to Real Madrid, but a Chelsea source said: "We have been after Neymar for a long time and remain confident we can bring him to Stamford Bridge."