Santos in talks to extend Neymar's contract

Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues has confirmed that the club have begun talks with striker Neymar over a contract extension.

The 21-year-old’s current deal expires after the World Cup in 2014 and he is widely expected to leave his boyhood club after that, with Barcelona among those poised to make an approach.

However, the Peixe are hoping to tie Neymar down for longer, and have already started negotiating with his father, who handles the player's affairs.

Odilio told UOL Esporte: "We have decided already, we want to extend the deal beyond 2014. We're working for that. We already started the conversations with Neymar's father.

"Santos are working to pen down a new deal."

Rodrigues also emphasised that no agreement has been reached with any European clubs, in particular Barca, over an eventual transfer.

He added: "His father denies [that the player has a deal with Barcelona] and we believe him, we believe he didn't sign any kind of deal.

"He has always been honest and straightforward with us. He said Neymar will stay where he's happy. Neymar is sold every day, every day someone else claims he has been negotiated.

"We even read that Santos already received money. It's routine, but there's nothing between Santos and another club."

Source: Goal.com