Barcelona star Lionel Messi concerned Neymar could seal Man Utd transfer if this happens

Posted Friday, May 26, 2017 by Express.co.uk

Barcelona star Lionel Messi concerned Neymar could seal Man Utd transfer if this happens
Lionel Messi reportedly fears Barcelona could lose Neymar with Manchester United keen

BARCELONA star Lionel Messi is reportedly concerned Neymar could quit Barcelona with Manchester United desperate to sign him this summer.

Neymar is expected to line up for Barcelona when they go up against Alaves in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday.

The Brazil international has endured a mixed season at the Nou Camp, scoring 19 goals from 44 games - his second-lowest total since signing from Santos in 2013.

Express Sport understands that the player's father is encouraging him to move to the Premier League as he thinks his son will never be Barcelona's talisman while Lionel Messi remains at the club.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho could now launch a huge bid to bring him to Old Trafford, particularly now the Red Devils have Champions League football to offer.

Also keen is Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola laying much of the groundwork for the Neymar deal despite leaving a year before the player was signed.

And Don Balon say Messi fears his South American team-mate could leave the club - but only if Ernesto Valverde is announced as Luis Enrique's successor.

The 53-year-old left Athletic Bilbao yesterday and now looks destined to in the dugout next season.

Messi, despite reportedly giving his blessing to the appointment, is now said to be growing fearful that Neymar may not suit his style of play.

As a result, United could try and snap him up if they receive any encouragement that he is worried about his future.

The report says that many of the players wanted Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli to get the job but club chiefs refused and instead have pressed ahead with who they deem as their No1 choice.

Messi also is angry at the fact that club captain Andres Iniesta may be allowed to leave.

The four-time Champions League winner is out of contract next season and no terms have been agreed over a renewal.