Santos coach concerned at Neymar reports

Rio de Janeiro, May 18 (IANS) Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has admitted concern at mounting speculation linking his star striker Neymar with a move to Barcelona.

The Catalan club’s football director Raul Sanllehi had met with Santos officials during the week to negotiate a deal for the Brazil international striker, reports Xinhua.

Ramalho believes the innuendo has had a negative impact on the 21-year-old.

“I have said so many times that he needs to be focused and settled because there is going to be pressure on him until he makes a decision,” Ramalho said.

“It’s difficult for him. The good thing is that he is happy with life. He wants to train and play all the time. The pressure comes when he is off the pitch.”

Neymar, who is contracted to Santos until the 2014 World Cup, has also attracted the interest of European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.