BARCELONA: Barcelona’s club president says the European champions will consider offering Neymar a contract extension amid speculation that Manchester United is interested in signing the Brazil striker.

It’s a story that’s dominated the front pages of British Tabloids over the last few days and United and Barcelona have neither confirmed nor denied this.

Manchester United are willing to break the record for the highest transfer fee ever paid in an effort to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford.

Neymar’s transfer fee from Santos to Barcelona is already the highest ever paid by any club in the world, more than what Gareth Bale cost Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2013.

Media reports in Brazil speculate that United is willing to pay his $218 million buyout clause.

However, if United and Barcelona agree to the reported sum (240 million Pounds) for Neymar, it will be by far the most expensive transfer in the history of football.

On Neymar, United coach Van Gaal said: “I don’t enter into this discussion. You can ask about all the players in the world, you do it every press conference and every press conference I say the same to protect the interests of Manchester United.”

With less than a week to go for the transfer window to shut, Neymar will keep United and Barcelona fans on their toes.

Neymar scored 39 goals last season— his second with the club— to help Barcelona win the Champions League, Spanish league and Copa del Rey treble.

He has yet to play this season while recovering from the mumps.