By Ross Mackiewicz.
Santos has rejected a £15million bid from domestic double winners Chelsea for their highly talented teenage star Neymar.
The 18 year old Brazilian is one of world footballs most sort after youngsters after netting 27 goals in just 29 appearances for ‘The Peixe’ since the turn of the year. A staggering return from such a novice to the professional game.
London rivals West Ham United also expressed their interest in the wonder kid last month and firmed it up with a concrete offer of £12million which was subsequently rejected. It is believed that the Brazilian club is haggling for an offer within the region of £20million despite him having a release clause which can be triggered with a £29.6million offer.
Santos released a statement thanking the English champions for their interest but they have no intention of entering negotiations. The statement read:
“Late on Tuesday morning, Santos FC received an official offer from Chelsea for the economic rights of Neymar.”
“President Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has sent a response to the English club thanking them for their interest and reiterating the fact that Santos FC have no interest in opening negotiations.”
Interestingly Manchester City have first refusal on Neymar after negotiating the clause in Robinho’s loan to the Brazilian outfit back in January. City if they wish can match any accepted bids as well as having the option to trade Robinho in a permanent swap.
Neymar is also partly-owned by an investment group who would have to relinquish their share on him to abide by the Premier League’s rules of clubs having sole ownership of their players. This rule was implemented following Carlos Tevez’s and Javier Mascherano’s arrival to English shores four years ago thanks to Media Sports Investments.
More Chelsea transfer news here
