Transfer Talk: City reject chance to sign Neymar

Manchester City were offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain megastar Neymar late in the summer transfer window — and turned it down.

That is according to Spanish outlet Marca, who claim Les Parisiens were open-minded about letting the Brazilian forward leave for pastures new.

English champions City were contacted directly about a potential deal but decided the move was not one they wanted to pursue, having already lured Erling Haaland to the Etihad earlier this summer.

The revelations will come as a surprise to many, with Neymar arguably Europe’s standout player so far this term.

In just five Ligue 1 appearances, the 30-year-old has notched a remarkable seven goals and six assists.

Yet rumblings over his happiness in the French capital have persisted — largely relating to a supposed clash of egos with fellow forward Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe, 23, signed a new three-year contract in Paris at the end of last term, putting to bed long-term speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

And that decision to stay put supposedly left PSG chiefs concerned with the amount of egos in their dressing room.

Though Neymar has repeatedly underlined his happiness at the Parc des Princes, his departure was clearly not out of the question.

It remains to be seen whether the fresh claims could spark another transfer saga in January.

In other news

Manchester United failed with a deadline day bid to sign Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas, according to Football Insider.

Dutch media report that Cody Gakpo is ready to put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at PSV Eindhoven after a Premier League move failed to materialise.

Tottenham explored the possibility of a move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha late in the window, according to The Athletic, but left it too late to strike a deal with the Eagles.