Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Set for Mega Contract Offer Amid United Rumours

Barcelona superstar Neymar will be offered a mega contract by the Catalans at some point in the near future, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu suggesting he wants the player to retire at the Camp Nou and could offer a deal of up to 10 years.

Appearing on Club Mitjanit, a Radio Catalunya show (h/t Goal's Mark Doyle), Bartomeu confirmed the Blaugrana are determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old at all costs, amid rumours Manchester United are interested in his services, via the Sun's Shaun Custis:

“We do not want Neymar to leave. He is young and we want him to retire here at our club.We will discuss Neymar's renewal in some months' time as he must stay here—not only for the next three seasons, but for the next five or 10.”

The Brazil international has established himself as one of the world's best players since moving to Europe from Santos, and paired with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, he is part of one of the most feared attacking threesomes the sport has ever seen.

According to WhoScored.com, he scored an incredible 10 goals in the Champions League last season, playing a pivotal role in the Catalans' treble-winning season.

Neymar is one of Barcelona's most important players on the pitch, but his impact reaches beyond what he does with the ball. He's Brazil's biggest star and a huge marketing tool for the Blaugrana in South America, only adding to his value.

United's reported interest in his services is logical, as the Red Devils are in need of another star forward and have the financial abilities to target a player of his caliber. But Neymar will not be signing for a new team, and these latest rumours will only play a role in the upcoming contract negotiations, via Sky Sports' Guillem Balague:

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe is also convinced the Brazilian will stay with the Blaugrana:

Messi and Suarez are both 28 years old and figure to be at the top of their game for years to come, but at some point, their skills will start to decline, at which point Neymar should be in line to become Barcelona's biggest star.

The best way to ensure such a scenario comes to pass is by locking the forward up to a high-value, long-term deal, which will likely include a ridiculous buyout clause in an attempt to scare off potential suitors.

Contracts of up to 10 years are rare in football, but other sports have used megadeals of equal magnitude before. Baseball in particular is a good example, with the likes of Giancarlo Stanton securing massive deals of 10 years or even longer, per CBS Sports' Dayn Perry.

While there's always some risks involved with such a move―injury, regression or the desire for an even better contract―a long-term deal of such magnitude gives the club incredible leverage in case of future transfer talks.

Whether Neymar is actually offered a 10-year-deal remains to be seen, although it wouldn't be a huge surprise given his importance to the club. The move would set a new precedent, and it would be interesting to see if future stars of the sport start to demand similar deals and terms, and whether the clubs would agree.

Follow @ReverschPass