Manchester United News: Club 'Made World Record Bid for Barcelona Star Neymar'

Neymar was wanted by Manchester United in the summer
Barcelona's Neymar at Camp Nou, January 27. Neymar's father said Manchester United made a world record bid for his son in 2015. Albert Gea/Reuters

Manchester United bid £145 million ($211 million) for Neymar in the summer of 2015, according to the Barcelona star's father.

Neymar Sr. told Spanish radio station COPE that United was willing to meet Neymar's Barcelona buyout clause of £145.6 million, in a move that would have obliterated the world transfer record currently held by Gareth Bale of Real Madrid at £85.3 million ($124 million).

Neymar's father was reported to have revealed in a Spanish court earlier this week that an unnamed club had been prepared to break the world transfer record for his son. Neymar appeared in front of a judge for an hour and a half as a witness in an investigation into possible tax fraud by Barcelona surrounding his 2013 transfer from Santos in Brazil, a case that involves the player, his father, Barcelona and DIS, a Brazilian investment fund.

"Manchester United is the side that offered 190 million euros ($211 million) for Neymar," Neymar Sr. told COPE. "He has still two years left on his contract, but you can all be calm as my son is so happy here."

Manchester United has been known for its attempts to sign famous players for large amounts of money under the direction of Ed Woodward, its executive vice chairman.

It was beaten to the signing of Bale by Madrid in the summer of 2014, but is thought to still desire bringing the Wales winger to Old Trafford.

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