Jose Mourinho Says Neymar Transfer to Manchester United Is 'Impossible'

It is "impossible" to sign Neymar from Barcelona, according to Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

He spoke to ESPN Brasil (h/t ESPN FC) and dismissed rumours linking the club with a move for the Brazilian: "It's speculation. I always try to be objective and pragmatic with clubs and to ask them what they can give me. To ask for Neymar is absurd."

Mourinho continued:

"

A club like Barcelona can not and will not lose Neymar. Although Messi is still a young player with years ahead of him, he's almost 30, and Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona post-Messi. So much that I think it [trying to sign Neymar] is like trying to break into a safe, impossible.

"

Rik Sharma of Catalan daily Sport reported the Red Devils had "promised" to meet Neymar's €200 million (£173 million) buyout clause this summer, as well as offering the forward a contract worth €25 million (£21.6 million) per year.

Per ESPN, his release clause was set in October when he signed a new five-year contract with the Blaugrana, and it will rise to €222 million (£192 million) next year and €250 million (£215.8 million) for the remainder of his deal after that.

Sky Sports' Guillem Balague was adamant the 25-year-old would not be going anywhere this summer:

Indeed, he's already a player of huge importance to Barcelona, and as Mourinho noted, he's the heir to Lionel Messi's throne in the future.

Neymar is in his fourth season at the Camp Nou and has averaged a goal or an assist in virtually every game, having scored 99 goals and assisted 76 in 176 appearances in all competitions.

He's had an excellent campaign this year, earning the plaudits of football journalist Rafael Hernandez:

"

Neymar second best in the world in 2017 as things stand. Incredible (and consistent!) displays.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) March 29, 2017"

The forward has not only been tremendous for Barcelona but also for his national side:

"

Neymar is doing it all for Brazil!  pic.twitter.com/3JhnA8fTqu

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) March 29, 2017"

He scored in Brazil's 3-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday and, in doing so, he helped the Selecao become the first team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Such is Neymar's ability, he would be coveted by any side, and he'd be an incredible addition to United, now more than ever given their overreliance on Zlatan Ibrahimovic for goals.

However, as Mourinho is aware, he's just as important to Barcelona despite the attacking power at their disposal.

While the Spanish giants cannot prevent United from negotiating with Neymar if they meet his release clause, they would still fight tooth and nail to keep him at the club.