Real deny plans to pay PSG R5bn for Neymar deal
TV network sticks by its story about the move
Madrid – Real Madrid have dismissed as “absolutely untrue” reports of a ß310-million (R4.9-billion) bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar that sparked rumours he could serve as a replacement if superstar Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the Spanish giants.
The colossal transfer claim, which would dwarf the $222-million (R3-billion) deal that made Neymar the world’s most expensive player last year, was made by Spain’s public television station TVE on Monday evening.
Real were quick to knock it down, saying in a statement they had not been con“Real sulted by TVE before the broadcast. Madrid have made no offer of any kind to PSG or the player,” added the European champions, the home of Ronaldo since 2009.
TVE stood by its reporting, however, saying on its website that the claim came from sources it considered to be the “most reliable”.
The report came hours after Neymar’s Brazil saw off Mexico 20 in the World Cup last 16 in Russia to set up a tantalising quarterfinal clash with Belgium.
Despite Real’s strong rejection, the transfer rumour mill swirled at the possibility of a galactico swap, following hints that both Neymar and Ronaldo could be unhappy at their star-studded clubs. Neymar, 26, moved to PSG last year and went on to score 19 goals in just 20 league games before suffering a foot injury in February that required surgery in Brazil.
Real have also been thrown into flux after coach Zinedine Zidane stepped down last month having steering the club to a third successive Champions League trophy.
His replacement Julen Lopetegui said last month that Ronaldo was a player he wanted “at his side always”.
Real have made no offer of any kind to PSG