Sports Burst – Neymar The Nowhere Man
Neymar move goes cold, FIFA VP arrested and Milan’s new move
By Tim Stannard
1) Reality overshadows rumor in Neymar’s PSG move
Beeeeep! Beeeeep! Beeeeep!
Sport Burst’s hazard lights are flashing and the reverse gear is locked in. On Monday, the column was 100% sure that Neymar’s dramatic move to PSG was just a matter of time. A day, later it is not too certain. Two new pieces of evidence have dropped into SB’s lap. The first, Barcelona announcing that the club is “200%” sure that the Brazilian would be staying at the Camp Nou despite a click-baiting frenzy from the media in which SB fully participated. The hand is up, there.
"He is one of the most important players we have, we will not consider any offers we receive for him," claimed spokesperson Josep Vives.
Secondly, it’s a stance supported in the French press according to L’Equipe, which writes that PSG can neither afford the $260m release clause for Neymar, and are still irked at the footballer using the French club as a bargaining chip last summer in his fiendish plans to get a better Barcelona deal.
So, it’s stand down for the moment. But keep one eye open.
On a side note, tune into the XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT for an exclusive chat with a footballer who definitely is a PSG player, Kevin Trapp.
2) Chicharito could become a happy hammer
Chicharito news!
The hordes of Mexican journalists that have been on a long European tour following the career path of the striker could well be heading back to England, and London. Premier League outfit, West Ham United, are being heavily linked with a move for the former Manchester United forward, with Chicharito needing a breath of fresh air after a career at Bayer Leverkusen has gone a little stale.
“Because of his qualities he is interesting for several clubs, and we often receive enquiries,” Rudi Voller, the Bundesliga club’s sporting director in not quite denying the possibility of a move. Chelsea are also thought to be interested in picking up the Mexican marauder.
3) Milan moving in on Aubameyang
TRANSFER TRACKER!
Here’s the best of the rest. Milan are targeting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Borussia Dortmund player reportedly offered to drop his salary demands. Roma might be moving for Leicester City playmaker, Riyad Mahrez. Juventus are giving spellcheck nightmare and Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, a medical ahead of a move.
And finally, Manchester United and Ivan Perisic are getting closer to agreeing a fee for a transfer for the winger.
Make sure you head to the beIN SPORTS USA Facebook page at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PM for the Transfer Tracker. Today, Mr Ray Hudson trawls through the hot deals and cold rumors.
4) Spanish FA president arrested in corruption probe
FIFA corruption alert!
Feels good to dust that headline off again. A certain Angel Maria Villar was arrested in Madrid on Tuesday morning, a gentleman who is and has been the president of the Spanish Football Federation for nearly thirty years and is also a VP at FIFA and UEFA.
Villar was detained on corruption charges relating to the organization of a number of friendlies by the Spanish national team. Also arrested were the FA president’s son and the economic vice president of the Spanish federation.
WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?
The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.