Neymar, Real Madrid Meeting Reported; Marc Bartra Stays

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Barcelona forward Neymar reportedly held a meeting with officials from Real Madrid in Zurich at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony.

According to Al Primer Toque on Onda Cero radio (h/t Sport), the Brazilian met with

“a Real Madrid representative, Andre Cury and Wagner Ribeiro.”

It’s alleged by Onda Cero in the article that Neymar is using interest in him from Barcelona’s biggest rivals to bolster his new contract, and that "Neymar's people are informing Madrid he is interested in joining them."

It has previously been reported by AS journalist Javier Matallanas (h/tSport) that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is extremely keen on bringing Neymar to the Santiago Bernabeu. Here’s a look at why:

If money was no object for Real in making this transfer happen, they could certainly get it a long way down the road. After all, the Brazilian has a release clause of circa £140 million in his Barcelona contract at the moment, and if the Madrid giants were to match that amount, then the player would be free to talk to them.Therefore, the final decision could well rest with the player, who doesn’t emit the aura of a man who is ready to turn his back on Barcelona. Indeed, Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez explained why he feels this transfer won't happen