Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has said he does not think Neymar will join the club but added that he would be welcome and would work well with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar is a long-time target of Madrid president Florentino Perez, who has reportedly maintained close contact with the player’s father, who is also his agent, in recent months.
Coach Zinedine Zidane has also voiced his admiration for the Brazil international.
However, PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Antero Henrique have visited the Neymar family in Brazil, where the 26-year-old is recovering from foot surgery, and reportedly received assurances over his future.
Speaking on “El Partidazo” radio show, Casemiro said he thought Neymar was contented at PSG.
“I believe he will not [join Madrid],” he said. “You would have to ask Florentino if there is a possibility or not.
“But he is happy in Paris, there are many Brazilians playing with him too. He likes it there. With Neymar’s quality, he could play for any team in the world.
But I will not talk for him — he knows that Madrid’s doors are always open. I would sign him for sure. He would get on very well with Cristiano, they are both very relaxed characters. I hope he comes this year.”
Meanwhile, Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal was asked on “El Transistor” radio show whether he would prefer his club to sign Neymar or Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
“As I have had to suffer him before, I would sign Neymar,” Carvajal said.
Dermot Corrigan is a Madrid-based football writer who covers La Liga and the Spain national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @dermotmcorrigan