Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Neymar and Isco

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly been in touch with Barcelona star Neymar to try and convince him to move to Old Trafford.

According to Rik Sharma of Sport, the Red Devils boss has "approached Neymar with the idea of signing him at the end of the season," with the first discussions held "a few weeks ago." Sharma added that Mourinho is looking to secure another star to liven up his attacking options.

Sharma noted that when it comes to recruitment, these conversations are in line with Mourinho's "usual way of functioning." His report also suggested the talks involve "explaining to him what the transfer would do for his career" and "what it would be like to work under his orders."

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If a transfer went ahead, it would be a big surprise, with the forward putting pen to paper on a five-year contract in October last year.

The Brazilian is rated as one of the best forwards in the game and alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has formed an awesome attacking triumvirate at the Camp Nou. These numbers from OptaJose sum up just how potent the three are:

"

3 - La Liga players with double figures for goals and assists this season (all comps):
Lionel Messi 32/10
Luis Suárez 25/10
Neymar 10/15
MSN pic.twitter.com/806neZLVNt

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 14, 2017"

However, in a separate report in Sport, Sharma suggested Mourinho is using the situation to his advantage. "Messi's presence could hinder Neymar's growth as a player and as an international icon, according to Mourinho," Sharma wrote. "The coach is trying to convince him he can reach another dimension playing at United, where he will be able to win the Ballon d'Or."

Neymar does have the talent to achieve such an accolade. As the numbers aforementioned illustrate, he's a player who makes regular contributions in the final third, but he also thrills spectators with his brash brand of Joga Bonito.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Ideally, Barcelona would not want to sell him, and it's clear the club have faith in the Brazilian, as evidenced by his new contract. However, sports journalist Rafael Hernandez wants to see more from the Barca No. 11:

United have the wealth to test Barca's resolve to keep hold of the winger should they be serious about signing him.

Nevertheless, it would be a big surprise to see the Blaugrana cash in. While he's still a little rough around the edges at times, the Brazilian has the talent to go to the top, and they'll want to see him reach those standards at the Camp Nou.

Isco Rumours

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According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Manu Sainz of AS), Real Madrid man Isco has an "anti-Barcelona clause" in his contract to prevent him joining Los Blancos' bitter rivals.

Sainz suggested in the piece that every Madrid player has a similar stipulation in their deal that prevents any player from making the switch. According to Sainz, with just 16 months left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, "Barcelona have begun to express interest in gaining the services of the 24-year old midfielder."

Isco has found it tough to break into the first XI at Real on a regular basis following his move from Malaga in 2013. Lucas Navarrete of SB Nation doesn't feel he's being utilised enough:

The Spain international possesses all the attributes you'd expect of a Barca midfielder; he's technically outstanding, smart on the ball and able to navigate space with ease.

Nevertheless, unless Isco lets his contract run down and becomes a free agent, it's tough to envisage any scenario in which Los Blancos agree to sell a potentially world-class player to their biggest rivals.