体坛英语新闻：Neymar open to join Real Madrid: agent

MADRID, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian international striker Neymar De Silva Santos moved a step closer to signing for Real Madrid Saturday after his agent said he would be open to a move to the Spanish side.

Neymar's representative Wagner Ribeiro told EFE Radio that of all clubs which are interested in signing the 19-year-old from Brazilian side ,Real Madrid was the player's preferred choice.

Just two days ago Neymar himself appeared to rule out a move to Spain by saying he wanted to remain at the Santos club, but his agent explained that was not the full story.

"Neymar's preference at the moment is for Real Madrid, but he also wants to play the World Club Championship with Santos before leaving to play in the Spanish league," explained Ribeiro.

Santos, who won the South American Copa Libertadores, will play in the World Club Championship, in which their main rival will be FC Barcelona, meaning that Neymar would not move to Spain until the New Year.

Ribeiro added that Real Madrid and Santos were already discussing the issue "in order to assure that the player remains in Brazil until January and in that way he can fulfil his dream of playing in the World Club Championship and in making history for Santos."

"The problem in the move is not economic, it is a question of time. The ideal thing would be for Neymar to sign and to stay with Santos until January," stressed the agent.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona have also shown interest in the player, for whom the buyout contract worth 45 million euros ( about 65 million US dollars). However, it appears that Real Madrid is willing to make the biggest effort to bring the youngster to Europe.