Manchester United Transfer News: Neymar Wanted 'At All Costs,' Barcelona Rumours

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that Neymar will sign a contract extension "in the next few days," despite recent reports that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign the Brazilian "at all costs." 

Bartomeu insisted that Neymar wants to continue at the Catalan club, per Barcelona:

However, according to Mundo Deportivo (via Sam Morgan in the Sun), Mourinho has been given the go-ahead to launch an "all-out offensive" to take the 24-year-old to Old Trafford, with United hoping to lodge a bid that will "stall" contract negotiations.

United have been linked with the Brazilian superstar for some time and were reportedly in talks last summer over a move for the player, per Shaun Custis in the Sun.

The Old Trafford club will have to be prepared to make a huge outlay if they are to land Neymar. His current contract with Barca still has two years left to run, and his release clause is set at €193 million (£160 million), per L'Equipe (via Mark Rodden on ESPN FC).

If he signs a new contract with Barcelona, then United's chances of snapping him up will effectively be dead in the water.

Sport Witness speculated that the emergence of the latest United link could simply be Catalan media preparing for Neymar signing a new deal in order to say he showed great loyalty in turning down huge offers from elsewhere:

However, there is little doubt that Neymar could be a huge asset for United if they could somehow snap him up.

The Red Devils were short on creativity last term as they netted just 49 goals in the Premier League, with Anthony Martial their only consistently effective attacking outlet—the Frenchman would likely have to move positions should Neymar arrive, having operated for much of the 2015-16 season on the left flank.

By contrast, Neymar was involved in 36 league goals himself last season (scoring 24 and assisting 12), per WhoScored.com, as he continued to establish himself as one of the best attacking forces on the planet:

Funding a move for Neymar would be a challenge for United, but it won't be impossible. As they have shown in recent times, they are prepared to spend big on major talent.

Spanish football writer Rafael Hernandez indicated that Neymar's release clause could be affordable to the world's biggest clubs if broken down:

It seems unlikely United will be able to pull off the signing of Neymar, not least because they won't be able to offer him UEFA Champions League football next season.

But they have the funds to attract him, and Mourinho could be a draw given his status as one of the world's best managers.