Neymar Transfer Updates: Latest on Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid

Few players in the world generate more attention than Neymar. The 21-year-old Brazilian international has avoided a move to Europe for the first portion of his career, but top clubs continue to track the talented Santos forward. 

Rightfully so. Neymar has a dynamic skill set capable of making him a superstar in any league. From tremendous pace to elite finishing ability and basically everything in between, he's got all the tools to make a smooth transition to Europe.

It makes for an interesting transfer saga. The original plan was for him to stick with his current club through the 2014 World Cup, but that could be changing. Let's check out some of the latest buzz involving the coveted striker.

UPDATE: Wednesday, May 15 at 10:40 a.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Bayern Munich released a statement in response to the comments from Vicente Cascione (below) that a deal to send Neymar to the German club was already done (via Paulo Freitas of Sambafoot.com).

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The German club's official spokesperson Markus Horwick talked about the rumors, he said: "Those are not true in any way, they are absurd, there is nothing true about them."

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---End of update---

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich already feature a squad talented enough to reach the Champions League final. They demolished Barcelona 7-0 over the two legs in the semifinals, an immensely impressive feat. Now the German giants might be adding another big name to the squad.

Stefan Coerts of Goal.com passes along comments from former Santos official Vicente Cascione, who says Bayern are going to land Neymar over the summer. He bases the prediction on first-hand information he received and called it a done deal.

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"I am not speculating here. This information is irrefutable. From August this year on, the player will be part of Bayern's squad.

"So his next destination will not be Spain, like many expected. He's not going to Barcelona or Real Madrid. He will go to Germany."

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Bayern denied the claims and the report considers Barcelona the early favorite. Based on how dominant the side has been throughout the campaign, it's almost scary to think about how good it would be with Neymar included. It sounds like talks aren't as far along as Cascione believes, though.

Barcelona

If Neymar does decide to push for a move this summer, Barcelona already has a meeting scheduled to work on a potential deal, according to Pilar Suarez of Goal.com. He states the strikes is expected to talk with the club in July.

The report suggests Neymar is definitely considering a move to Europe before the originally planned 2014 date and puts Barca's transfer budget between €40-50 million. He's expected to visit Barcelona after the Confederations Cup.

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"Neymar will play at the Confederations Cup this summer and will then take a one-week holiday. He will travel to Barcelona on July 9," a source close to the player told Goal.com.

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Barcelona's surprising blowout defeat against Bayern, they may be more willing to make a make push for Neymar to reinvigorate the squad before next season. The combination of him and Lionel Messi would be a nightmare for opposing back lines.

Real Madrid

Barcelona's rival Real Madrid isn't going to let Neymar get away without a fight. They understand the amazing potential Barca would possess by signing him, so it's in their best interest to make a serious push for him as well.

Ruben Jimenez of Marca reports club president Florentino Perez plans to do exactly that. They have been trying for months to work out a massive agreement, but having his rights split between multiple sides, it's been a tricky situation.

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However, the player's situation is complex. His rights are split between Santos – who owns 10% –, Grupo Sonda – 40% – and the player's father – 50%. It seems the player's father may be the deciding factor in the deal.

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Landing Neymar would be a huge coup for Real, which would be getting an offensive superstar and keeping him away from a rival at the same time. If they can also keep Cristiano Ronaldo, who's future remains up in the air as well, they would have a dynamic duo of their own.