Manchester United: Juliano Belletti does not rule out Neymar joining Red Devils

Former Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti says Neymar is happy at Barcelona but concedes that anything is possible amid rumours linking the Brazil captain with a transfer to Manchester United. The Red Devils are thought to be in the market for a marquee striker, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson the only out-and-out strikers available to manager Louis van Gaal.

The Guardian reported on 23 August that Neymar, who has three years left on his Barcelona contract, was attracted by the United's size and history and the chance to play in the Premier League. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and United manager Van Gaal have refused to comment on speculation surrounding the future of the 23-year-old, who has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines due to illness.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claimed that Barcelona were discussing the terms of a new five-year contract with Neymar that would see his buyout clause increase to £180m (€250m). Former Barcelona and Chelsea defender Belletti does not think a switch to United would appeal to his compatriot, who he said was "very happy" in Catalonia.

"No I don't think so, Neymar is very happy in Barcelona," Goal.com quoted Belletti as saying to Omnisport. "He has adapted to the team, the city and his family have adapted as well but nothing is impossible."

On 25 August, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu ruled out the possibility of Neymar being sold, saying he wanted to Brazilian to retire at the club. "We do not want Neymar to leave. He is young and we want him to retire here at our club," Bartomeu said in an interview to Radio Catalunya, according to Goal. "We will discuss Neymar's renewal in some months' time as he must stay here - not only for the next three seasons, but for the next five or 10."

Neymar may not feature in Barcelona's home encounter with Malaga on 29 August as he is yet to regain full match fitness following a bout of mumps. The Catalan giants were drawn with Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and Bate Borisov in the Champions League group stage on 27 August.