Report: Man United Bids For Neymar, Offers Barcelona $221M For Brazil Star

Manchester United is using its financial muscle to land Neymar, one of soccer’s biggest stars, from Barcelona’s all-conquering lineup.

Manchester United offered Barcelona £140 million ($221 million) for Neymar, Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport’s Cassio Barco reported Monday. Manchester United’s offer reportedly triggers the buyout clause Neymar’s contract contains, leaving the decision whether to stay with the Spanish club or take his talents to the Premier League in the player’s hands.

Links between Neymar and Manchester United emerged over the weekend in the British press. The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson reported Sunday Neymar is open to joining Manchester United, but the parties are unlikely to complete a transfer before the summer window closes on Sept. 1. A transfer next summer reportedly is more likely than an imminent one.

Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward was in Barcelona last week for unspecified talks. Manchester United is believed to be in the hunt for attacking reinforcements, especially in light of Wayne Rooney’s slow start to the season.

Neymar’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2018, and the Brazilian star hasn’t publicly expressed dissatisfaction with life at the club. Neymar played a key role last season in Barcelona’s triumphs in La Liga (Spain’s first division), the Copa Del Rey (Spanish Cup) and the UEFA Champions League.

Neymar joined Barcelona in summer 2013 from Brazilian club Santos in a complex transfer, which caused a friction within the club and ultimately put it at odds with Spanish tax authorities and led to the downfall of former Barca president Sandro Rossell.

Neymar would become the most expensive player in history if he joined Manchester United for the reported fee.