Barcelona star agrees new contract extension

 

Manchester United target Neymar is on the verge of extending his stay at Barcelona until at least June 2021 after signing a pre-agreement with the club, according to El Partido de las 12 on Cadena Cope, via Sport.

 

Neymar has been locked in contract negotiations with Barcelona for months now, with the Brazil international keen to have his salary reflected with some of the top earners at the club.

 

The 24-year-old has arguably been the best player in Europe this season, but has been earning the same salary he agreed when joining from Santos for £48.6m in 2013.

 

The Barcelona No.11 still has two years left to run on his current deal, but Barcelona are determined to extend his stay at the Camp Nou to ward off future interest from Manchester United, who his father revealed lodged a £140m bid for the superstar earlier in the season.

 

His pre-agreement does not bind him to the impending deal, but it would suggest Neymar is close to agreeing to the new terms, all but ruling out his departure in the near future.

 

Neymar is currently the highest rated player across Europe’s top five leagues (8.57) and is on course to enjoy his finest season in Barcelona colours, having played a direct part in 27 league goals thus far (18 goals + nine assists).

 

For more stats on Neymar, click here to visit his WhoScored player page