Manchester United target Neymar could be forced to leave Barcelona says star forward's father

Barcelona star Neymar's father has revealed the ongoing tax fraud case could force the forward to leave the treble winners. The 23-year-old has been facing problems with the Brazilian tax authorities for reportedly evading paying taxes between 2011 and 2013.

The investigation is ongoing and the Brazilian judge has frozen his assets. Manchester United were interested in signing him in the summer transfer window and the player confirmed he had held talks with the Red Devils.

The Brazil international's father, Neymar senior earlier admitted his son will not sign a new deal at Barcelona until the ongoing problems in his home country are resolved. His father revealed the situation is hard because they are facing "many attacks" from Brazil and Spain, which could force the forward to leave Barcelona.

"We are talking about renewal but we are need to solve some things. We need to know if Spain accepts our situation. It's hard for us because we are receiving many attacks, from Brazil and from Spain. Neymar is a star and works his image here and from Brazil," Neymar senior told Cadena SER, as reported by Goal.com.

"We're talking to everyone to know what to do with this matter because we don't want to be in Spain two, three, four, five or ten years and then we are caught by surprise by saying that our structure is wrong. We need to know if things are right for us.

"We must do the right things and know if Spain let us work. We need to stop these investigations. We want the peace of mind. His image is not associated with his job. His image is part of a company in Brazil, which has existed since 2006.

"It is not now that we've taken advantage of his image. For years we've been working with this company. I do not want to talk about persecution but if we don't have a comfortable situation to work we cannot stay in Spain.

"We never had such big fiscal problems in Brazil. After arriving Spain the attacks began and the attacks have now spread to Brazil. We will respect the contract he has with the club but we don't want a renewal without peace of mind."

According to the Telegraph, Louis van Gaal is still reportedly interested in securing the services of Neymar as he has already expressed his desire to add more pace to his side. With Neymar senior's latest comments, it will be a boost for United in their efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.