Santos fighting to keep Neymar

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012 by ESPN

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira insists they will fight to keep Neymar beyond 2014 amid reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Neymar has long been the subject of transfer speculation, even after the 20-year-old agreed a contract extension last November that ties him to Santos until at least the 2014 World Cup.

And the Brazil international's future remains a hot topic, much to the ire of Oliveira, who is determined not to let the striker go without a fight.

Oliveira, whose club could win the Paulista championship this weekend, told Catalan radio station Ona FM: "It's a very difficult week and of course I'm angry when you hear things about Neymar. We are focused on the finals.

"The odds on Neymar leaving before 2014 are the same as zero. I also hope that the player continues after 2014. We are going to compete with Barca and with Real at the end of the player's contract to keep him in Brazil for longer."

He added: "It's not certain that if Neymar leaves Santos that he is only going to go to Barca. What's certain is that he is staying until 2014. After, the only decision will come from the player. I hope to compete with all those interested.

"The player is very happy in Brazil and at Santos. I hope to win the heart of the player once again."