Report: Neymar tells Manchester United he's open to joining club

Manchester United may have failed in its effort to sign both Nicolas Otamendi, who ended up at Manchester City, and Pedro, who opted instead to join Chelsea, but the Red Devils are reportedly lining up a move that would dwarf each of those transfers. And then some.

Jamie Jackson of the Guardian reports that United has been engaged in discussion with Barcelona over a potential deal for megastar Neymar, adding that the Brazilian attacker is open to a move.

The report acknowledges the fact that a deal for the 23-year-old Brazilian captain would be exceedingly difficult to complete prior to the closure of this summer's transfer window on Sept. 1, but notes that United has identified next summer as the ideal time to strike an accord with the Catalan club.

Jackson explains:

Yet United are clear they could prise him from the Spanish club. The 23-year-old would consider joining, according to sources close to the forward. He is attracted by the size and history of United and the chance to play in the Premier League.

Last Monday Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, was in Barcelona. However while it was reported this was to try to close a deal for Pedro, who eventually signed for Chelsea, it is understood he was there to continue the audacious bid to land Neymar.

Neymar, who scored 39 goals in all competitions last season while helping Barcelona capture a treble, has three years remaining on his contract with the Blaugrana.

As such, Jackson notes that there is some trepidation on the part of United, as the club is aware of the fact that Neymar's apparent interest in a transfer could simply be a way to force Barcelona into giving him a more lucrative contract.