Neymar future up in the air

The debate over whether Brazilian star Neymar will be sold to a top European club continues to simmer.

Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues Filho has refused to be drawn on a potential transfer fee for Neymar as Barcelona step up their interest.

Tito Vilanova revealed on Saturday that negotiations for the player were underway, although he was unaware how the initial talks were progressing.

Filho has since made it clear that no deal has been brokered for the Brazil starlet and claimed it would be ‘stupid’ to discuss a potential fee.

“I would not be stupid to speak of values about a deal that does not exist,” he told Radio ESPN. “I only spoke with radio in Barcelona and I would not have the incompetence to make some statement about a deal and giving values.”

Filho went on to clarify that his recent trip to Madrid was to celebrate his birthday, although he admitted he spoke with Barcelona officials during his visit.

“It was my birthday and I went with my wife to Madrid,” he said.

“Only the staff of Barcelona knew I was there and I talked to (president) Sandro (Rosell). They showed me their interest in Neymar again.

“If things have to evolve, it will depend on other conversations and negotiations.”

Meanwhile, his father, Neymar da Silva, has once more insisted his son plans remain in Brazil until the summer of 2014 and to see out his contract with Santos.

“Our position is to stay until the end of contract,” he told Radio Bandeirantes.

“And we have not heard that Santos are in negotiations to sell Neymar.

“If Santos want then I will talk with my son to see if he really wants to go. We made some plans for Neymar to stay here until 2014. If these change we must be told beforehand.

“Barcelona are waiting for Neymar but for 2014. A project is in place to see how he will fit there. They put people next to Neymar to see how he would work. And Real Madrid do the same thing in the same way.”