Neymar confirms Manchester City interest

Barcelona star Neymar has confirmed he is aware of Manchester City`s interest in signing him.

The 23-year-old is currently negotiating a new contract at the Nou Camp but his father Neymar Santos Snr recently cast doubt over his future at the club over tax issues, reports skysports.

Neymar`s father also confirmed in October that Manchester United made a world-record offer for the Brazil international forward in the summer, which Barcelona flatly rejected.

He returned from a short Christmas break with his family to Barcelona`s El Prat airport on Sunday and, when asked by Spanish media including Diario AS whether he was aware of City`s interest, he said: "Yes, yes."

Neymar was also asked about possibly leaving Barcelona in the future, and he added: "I don`t know, life is long."

Neymar`s current five-year contract, signed when he joined from Santos for £49m in 2013, runs out in 2018 and Barcelona are keen to renew it and increase his £140m release clause.

But father and manager Neymar Santos Sr said last month: "We`ve begun contract renewal talks, but there are outstanding issues that concern us, and which need to be resolved.

"We are not thinking of leaving Spain but we have a problem. We`ve never experienced such major tax issues.

"I don`t want to use the word persecution, but if the working environment here is not good, we won`t be able to remain in Spain and will have to leave the country."