Santos confirm Neymar interest

Santos president Luis Alfaro Ribeiro has revealed Real Madrid have enquired about the availability of Neymar, along with a host of other clubs.

Neymar will cost 45 million euros.

Neymar, 19, is one of the hottest properties of the summer transfer market, with Chelsea and Manchester City also linked with the player, but Ribeiro insists no negotiations can take place until after his side's Copa Libertadores final second leg against Penarol on Wednesday night.

Ribeiro admits the race for the teenager is hotting up and hinted that his sizeable release clause would have to be met before Santos would consider selling.

''It is not just Madrid; a lot of other clubs in Europe have been calling us,'' Ribeiro told a press conference. ''It is no surprise - it would be strange if they didn't want him.

''If they pay the buy-out clause of €45 million and the player wants to go, there is nothing we could do.''

Nevertheless, the Santos chief hopes his side can hang on to the 19-year-old - especially if they win the Copa Libertadores.

''The clubs can talk to Neymar after the Libertadores, but I am sure that if we win the title, the reasons for Neymar to stay will be even stronger,'' he said. ''I know mind-blowing offers will arrive, but the player will benefit more if he keeps developing here.''

Success for Santos on Wednesday - which would be their first in the competition since Pele inspired them to back-to-back glory in 1962 and '63 - would ensure a place in the Club World Championship in December, while Ribeiro also revealed ambitious plans for the club's centenary year.

''Next year we celebrate our centenary; we are hopeful of bringing Robinho and Diego back to the club, and of keeping Elano and Ganso, and Neymar could be the biggest star of that movie,'' he said. ''Santos will write a page in the history of world football that will change the lives of the footballers involved.''