Manchester City are reportedly targeting Barcelona forward Neymar as the first major signing of the Pep Guardiola era this summer.
The 24-year-old has 16 goals in 18 league games, as well as nine assists, for the Spanish giants so far this term and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou.
That contract has a buyout clause of around £145m however, The Mirror reports, and City are planning to meet it in a world-record transfer ahead of next season.
"Neymar has already stated his desire to play for Pep," Neymar's Brazilian compatriot Ronaldinho told the newspaper. "That was a big statement with most people knowing that Pep would be joining Manchester City in the summer. We know they can pay wages that no other club in Europe has the power to do.
"There has been a lot of talk about Neymar's future recently, but I believe rumours of a move to Real Madrid are false. I will advise him to stay at Barcelona for at least a few more years, but if he wants City and they want him, we know they have the power to make it happen."
Neymar has also been linked with City's arch rivals Manchester United.
Neil Wilkes
