Santos’ desire to keep star player Neymar is “non-negotiable”, the club’s president has said.
Earlier in the week it was reported that five clubs - reported to be Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkal of Russia - had been granted permission to discuss offers with the 19-year-old.
However, Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has now reiterated his earlier position in a statement.
“Technically, he is the best active Brazilian player,” he said. “He was decisive in the conquest of four titles for Santos in the past 18 months, plus the pre-Olympics for the Brazil national squad, at the start of the year.
"He is the biggest idol in the national team while playing in the country, something which had not happened in many years.
"Affectionately, Neymar is loved by Santos FC and by the club's fans, not just because of how he plays, but, most of all, for all he is as a human being.
"His expressions of affection for the club strengthen this umbilical connection. And this love is shared by several other millions of Brazilians who admire him despite their club preferences."
The striker’s current contract, which includes a release clause of €45m (£39.5m), runs to 2015.
Dan Saney
