Real Madrid tried to sign Neymar from Barcelona, forward's father claims

Real Madrid were interested in Barcelona forward Neymar before he signed a new deal to stay at the Catalan club in October, the Brazilian star's father has confirmed.

Neymar Sr insisted that his son was happy at Camp Nou and that he never seriously considered joining Real or any other club in Europe.

Neymar, 24, signed a new five-year contract at Barcelona last month, keeping him in the Catalan capital until 2021.

His buyout clause has been fixed at £181m ($227m) for the first year, £200m for the second and £226 for the remaining three years.

"Madrid were interested through intermediaries," Neymar Sr was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I always said the same thing to everyone: If Neymar leaves Barca, you have to pay the €190m release clause, plus the taxes on that money. And with everything else, it would end up being €430m.

"I had a lot of people in my office in Brazil: sponsors, people keen to support the Neymar Institute... and of course, some people come to know if Neymar has a future at another club.

"But I'm very clear on this: To get him away from Barcelona, you have to try to take away the happiness that he has here.

"If he wanted to chase financial benefits, everyone knows he would not be at Barca. But Neymar is happy where he is and has made some strong friendships."

Neymar has made 102 La Liga appearances for Barcelona over three years, scoring 59 goals.

His future came under the spotlight after Neymar Sr said in November last year that tax problems could see the forward leave Spain.

Manchester United declared an interest in signing Neymar last year, with the player confirming that he had held talks with the Premier League side.

"Neymar never had any doubts about staying," Neymar Sr added.

"The only doubts there could have been were on my part, as a businessman and his representative, but I didn't have any doubts, either, because I know him and I know he's really happy here."