Manchester United Transfer News: World-Record Neymar Offer Revealed, Top Rumours

Manchester United reportedly offered Barcelona starlet Neymar the chance to become the highest-paid player in world football in the previous transfer window.

That’s according to SPORT (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), where it’s claimed the Red Devils confirmed to the player’s representatives he would pick up a lucrative salary should a move go through. Harvey wrote that United have a “serious” interest in the Brazil international and although a move didn’t come off, the Red Devils are “unlikely” to be deterred in their pursuit.

Neymar revealed to ESPN Brazil (h/t Sky Sports) there was contact between the two parties over a potential transfer, but “there was nothing concrete.” Here’s a reminder of why United may have been willing to part with massive money to get the Brazilian on board:

According to Forbes, the highest paid footballer in the world currently is Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to pick up a staggering $56.2 million (£36.57 million) per annum. It’s noted in the same piece that Neymar currently rakes in a salary of $14 million (£9.11 million).

VI-Images/Getty Images

The chance to secure such a boost in salary is something that would have surely appealed to the player and Neymar was open to joining United, according to some Jamie Jackson of the Guardian. Still, given Barcelona parted with key men like Pedro and Xavi in the summer, selling Neymar always seemed unlikely.

Indeed, it’s still relatively early in his Barcelona career, too, as noted by barcastat (h/t barcastuff) after the Brazilian recently took to the field against Sevilla:

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Record Neymar in 100 games at Barcelona: 74W - 11D - 15L #fcblive 58 goals, 18 assists, 5 trophies [via @barcastat]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 4, 2015"

There are some concerns beginning to materialise about Neymar’s contract situation, with the club’s vice-president Jordi Mestre revealing the forward can leave the club if he wants, and that there is no recent progress on a new deal, per Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Espana and Eurosport). Still, although United are likely to remain interested, Neymar seems content in Catalonia and unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Barcelona Rival United for Hakan Calhanoglu

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According to Milliyet (h/t Emre Sarigul of Turkish Football), Barcelona are set to battle it out with Manchester United in an attempt to bring Hakan Calhanoglu from Bayer Leverkusen to the Camp Nou.

As noted by Sarigul, United have been strongly linked with the attacker, who has developed into one of the brightest young players in the Bundesliga over the past couple of seasons. Here’s a look at why he’s catching the eye of European football’s juggernauts:

Calhanoglu has really blossomed at the BayArena as of late. The Turkey international is a key cog in Roger Schmidt’s side, setting the tone at the sharp end of the pitch with his work rate, tenacity in the tackle and willingness to win the ball back for his team.

From a Blaugrana perspective, there have been encouraging recent signs Calhanoglu would link up well with current Barcelona star and compatriot Arda Turan, per dilostuff (h/t barcastuff):

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Video: Assist Arda (CZE 0-2 TUR, goal Calhanoglu) https://t.co/g2lBvw3E0l [via @dilostuff]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 10, 2015"

There’s still a long way to go before Calhanoglu is ready to be a critical figure for a team as prestigious as United or Barcelona yet. While his attacking play is refined, his finishing is superb and dead-ball ability arguably the best in the world, there is still plenty for the 21-year-old to learn about football at the very highest level.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Leverkusen is an ideal venue to continue such a process, playing a central role in a vibrant young side. Calhanoglu is still in the early stages of his career and does seem destined to eventually ply his trade for one of European football’s top sides. There is no need for him to hurry to United or Barcelona yet, though.