• Premier League

Bids accepted for Neymar

Neymar has taken a step toward a move to Europe with his Brazilian club Santos confirming they have accepted two transfer bids for the forward.

Santos have not yet named which clubs have had their bids accepted, but reports claim Barcelona and Real Madrid are the frontrunners for the starlet's signature. Champions League finalists Bayern Munich have also been heavily linked with the 21-year-old in recent months.

A statement on the Santos website read: "Santos FC announces that it has received two proposals for the athlete Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.

"Given the offers and conditions of the player's contract, the management committee of the club decided to transfer the player.

"Neymar Jr and his father are expected in Belmiro to choose which proposal the athlete will accept."

Neymar's contract expires at the end of next season and, despite stating he intends to remain in his homeland until after the 2014 World Cup, the Brazil international will now weigh up options for his immediate future. Indeed, the club has confirmed Neymar and his representatives are still considering the offers put forward.

"In a meeting with representatives of the management committee of Santos FC, striker Neymar Jr was made aware of the offers received by the club and he will analyse them in the coming days before making a final decision," a club statement read.

After playing more than 30 games for his country already, Neymar has spent his whole career at Santos, who have repeatedly turned down offers for the player from a host of European clubs.

Earlier in the week, Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano ruled out a move for the striker.

And on the bids being accepted, the Brazilian revealed he will take his time to come to a decision on his future.

"This is an honour, the happiest moment in my life," Neymar told Globo Esporte. "I will decide with my family. There's no hurry. Decision can be made in five minutes, half an hour, or three days."

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