Neymar to Manchester City: Barcelona forward reveals interest from Premier League and refuses to rule out move

Neymar faces an uncertain future as contract negotiations with Barcelona continue to drag on

Barcelona forward Neymar has revealed that Manchester City want to sign him (Getty Images)

Barcelona forward Neymar has revealed that Manchester City are interested in him, and has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future should he decide to leave the Spanish club.

Manchester United mounted a half-hearted attempt to sign Neymar in the summer, although the prospect of the Brazil international leaving the Catalan side looked impossible given he had shown no signs of wanting a move away.

But despite Barcelona leading the way in La Liga and comfortably handling their Champions League group to set up a last-16 clash with Arsenal in February, Neymar is believed to be unsettled by matters off the pitch in Barcelona.

The tax fraud case involving his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and his father is said to have concerned Neymar, resulting in a reluctance to extend his current contract.

Now, after returning to Barcelona following the Christmas break, Neymar has admitted that he is aware of interest in him from City. When asked about it at El Prat airport, Neymar said: “Yes, yes,” before adding about leaving Barcelona: “I don't know, life is long.”

Neymar is currently contract to Barcelona until the summer of 2018, but the reigning Champions League holders have already opened negotiations with the 23-year-old in the hope of tying down his long-term future.

Both United and Spanish rivals Real Madrid are believed to be keeping a close eye on Neymar’s future, and could try to launch a summer bid if contract talks are delayed through to the end of the season.