Real Madrid Transfer News: Neymar Move Doubted by Ronaldinho, Latest Rumours

Barcelona legend Ronaldinho doesn't believe current club star Neymar will join archrivals Real Madrid, but he does think his fellow countryman has the talent to become the best player in the world.

Speculation has been growing since the turn of the year that Madrid are serious about luring Neymar away from the Camp Nou. In late December, a report from Joaquim Piera of Spanish publication Sport suggested Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wants to pull off a transfer coup similar to the one that saw him poach Luis Figo from Barca in 2000.

Madrid's charm offensive has also recently seen centre-back Sergio Ramos talk up Neymar to Spanish source Manda Pelotas (h/t ESPN FC). But Ronaldinho doesn't think Neymar should or will be swayed.

Speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Goal's Stefan Coerts), Barca's ex-No. 10 cast doubt on any move to Madrid: "I don't think Neymar will join Real Madrid. I hope he will become the best player in the world. He is hugely talented and plays for the best club in the world. I think he has what it takes to become the best."

It's easy to believe Barca will do all they can to keep Neymar out of Perez's clutches. The 23-year-old looks set to succeed Lionel Messi as the next dominant forward in the game. He's already won a treble since arriving in Spain, and he has netted 21 goals in all club competitions this season, according to WhoScored.com.

Additionally, the prolific Brazil international is a marketable commodity Barcelona's hierarchy won't want to lose.

It makes sense for Los Merengues to covet a player sure to be one of the leading stars of football's next decade. The club could also use a young striker to build a revamped forward line around.

Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is now 30, while Karim Benzema is 28. The Frenchman has also been embroiled in controversy off the pitch.

Paul White/Associated Press

Manager Zinedine Zidane's squad needs another option up front, preferably one with the pace, technique and eye for goal to elevate Madrid's attack above the level of Barca's awesome forward line.

There's no better way to do that than bringing a member of Barcelona's terrific trio to the Spanish capital, despite Ronaldinho's doubts.

Words from Ronaldinho may not carry that much weight if negotiations are ever opened. But at least he knows how good being the talisman for Barca can be for a player's career.

He won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League with the club during a run that also saw him claim the Ballon d'Or in 2005. His star shone all too briefly, but Neymar seems set to thrive for much longer.

Staying in a team where he receives ample support from marquee attackers Messi and Luis Suarez—a team that will eventually be built around him—is the best move for his career.