Barcelona have brushed aside media speculation linking Neymar with a world record transfer move to Manchester United and reveal the club will soon offer the Brazilian superstar a contract extension.

Reports in England claimed United were prepared to spend £240 million - £130m on Neymar’s buyout clause and the remainder on tying the player to a long-term contract at Old Trafford – to acquire the 23-year-old.

“Those are just rumours and what people write but there is nothing to it,” Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said.

“Neymar is happy at Barca. We don’t want Neymar to leave at all.”

Djourou out with thigh injury

Hamburg SV skipper Johan Djourou has been ruled out for an unspecified period after sustaining a thigh injury in Saturday’s 3-2 Bundesliga victory over VfB Stuttgart.

“Bitter blow for Hamburg as the captain has suffered a muscle fibre tear,” the club said.

The 28-year-old Switzerland defender scored an 89th-minute goal to help his team claim their first victory of the season against Stuttgart.

Hamburg, who needed a relegation playoff for the second consecutive year last season to stay up, take on Cologne on Saturday.

No big clubs wanted me, says Cabaye

Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye said none of the top Premier League sides were interested in signing him this summer after he decided to return to England from France.

The Eagles signed the France international from French champions Paris Saint-Germain for a club record fee of £10 million last month, after he scored only one goal in 22 league starts for PSG since joining from Newcastle United in January 2014.

“No one from the big clubs came forward, but it’s not a default choice, far from it,” the 29-year-old said.

“I have been reunited with my former coach and I was not heading into the unknown. I feel really good,” he added.

Ranieri backs Vardy for England call up

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has tipped “warrior” forward Jamie Vardy to be called up for England’s European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland next month.

England manager Roy Hodgson is due to name his squad on Sunday and Ranieri said 28-year-old Vardy would add to the fighting spirit in the England set-up.

“Jamie is positive, he is a warrior, every ball could be the best ball. He never gives up and I love this kind of player,” he said.

“When some international coaches call my players up it means we’re doing a good job.”

Chelsea move a gamble, says Pedro

Chelsea’s new signing Pedro has said he took a “gamble” by leaving Spanish champions Barcelona after eight successful years, but one driven by his desire for more playing time.

The Spain striker completed a 30 million euro move to the Premier League champions last week and came up with a goal and an assist on his debut in their 3-2 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

“Of course I would have liked to have stayed at Barca and retire here,” he said in a farewell press conference in Barcelona.

“That was my intention when I signed my contract extension. But I’ve taken a gamble because it’s what I wanted.

“I wasn’t going to stay here just to appear on the photo,” he added.

Advocaat wants more signings

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat said he needs to strengthen his squad with at least two or three more signings before the transfer window shuts next week.

The Black Cats have made a woeful start to their campaign conceding eight goals, more than any other Premier League club, and collecting only one point from their opening three games.

“I have told everyone we need two or three players and I will keep saying it until the last day,” Advocaat, currently the oldest manager in the league, said.

Advocaat also hailed the efforts of the club’s sporting director Lee Congerton, who helped Sunderland bring in five players so far.

“I think we now have the right people who can judge players and what Lee Congerton has done with little money so far is a really great job. But we need more.”

Riise joins Delhi in Indian league

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise will join Frenchman Florent Malouda and Brazilian Roberto Carlos at the Delhi Dynamos for the second season of the Indian Super League, the club announced yesterday.

“I am a person who loves a new challenge, to see and experience different cultures,” the former Norway international said.

“Roberto Carlos has been one of my heroes growing up as a left back. I’m honoured to have him as a coach, and can’t wait to give my all for him and the team,” added the 34-year-old.

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