The transfer of Neymar to Barcelona is to be investigated by a Spanish court over claims of misappropriation of funds and club president Sandro Rosell may be called to give evidence.

The Brazilian was paraded as a €57.1m signing by Barcelona from Santos in June last year but the details of the contract were not revealed due to a confidentiality agreement.

A hearing will now decide whether a wrongdoing took place after legal action was pursued by disgruntled fan Jordi Cases who had demanded a response from the club to his request for clarity over the high-profile transfer.

State prosecutors backed the legal challenge and called for a hearing, having decided that there was sufficient grounds to believe there could be a case of “contractual simulation” or distorting the final figures over what has to be paid.

They pointed to €40 million that was paid as part of the overall fee and went to a company owned by Neymar’s father.

It caused the wrath of Rosell who has adamantly denied that any more than €57.1 million was paid.

In light of a claim by Spanish daily El Mundo on Monday that the figure was in fact €95 million, Rosell changed tack and from calling the judge to throw out the case he said he would be willing to give evidence and clear his name.

Judge Pablo Ruz has decided to open a hearing and will be asking for more information from Neymar, Santos and Barcelona, while a decision will be made at a later date over whether Rosell will be called in person to provide evidence.