Transfer news: Nike desperate to push Neymar to Real Madrid

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Bengaluru, March 17: Honestly speaking, following Neymar’s world record move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, any transfer in the world is now a possibility - even Neymar to Real Madrid. With speculation rife among fans and clubs, it is now reported that Neymar’s sponsors Nike are desperate to make this deal go through even before Neymar reports for World Cup duty. Spanish outlet AS claim that Nike holds the key to initiate this deal. Although Adidas is Real Madrid’s kit sponsor, Nike sponsors their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

AS claim Nike is willing to help pay for the deal as part of a long-term plan to sponsor the club. Both Neymar and Crisitiano Ronaldo are Nike athletes, but Los Blancos' famous white shirts bear the Adidas logo. Madrid currently receive €40m (£35.5m) a year from the German company, as part of a deal which runs until 2020. But Nike are reportedly hopeful that, by helping the club land Neymar, their chances of sealing a partnership with the Spanish giants will be improved.

Florentino Perez has also had a long admiration for the Brazilian starlet with rumors coming around that Madrid’s president could offer as much as €400 million to PSG. Despite top PSG officials, including club president Naseer Al-Khelafi, claiming Neymar will stay put at Paris, high uncertainty surrounds his future in Paris.

PSG coach Unai Emery went on the defensive when grappled with the Neymar transfer query. "I think I have answered questions on this subject about 30 times in press conferences," Emery said.

"The PSG project is very strong with Neymar in it. As for Real Madrid? I don't know, ask Florentino."

It was reported that Neymar Sr recently met Perez over dinner in Spain, leading to speculations that the meeting was over a potential deal for the Brazilian star.

Neymar is currently recovering from his injury in Brazil, racing against time to be fully fit for the World Cup in June.