Ambitious Chelsea fail in £17m bid to land wonderkid Neymar
CHELSEA last night failed in a £17m bid to sign Brazilian wonderkid Neymar.
The 18-year-old scored 32 goals in 33 games for Santos last year and is seen as one of the most highly-rated young strikers in world football.
West Ham have already had a £12m bid for Neymar turned down by the Brazilian club, who are holding out for the £29.6m release clause in his contract.
A club statement confirmed: “Santos FC declare they have received an official proposal from Chelsea for the economic rights of forward Neymar.
Later, it “reiterates that Santos FC have no interest in opening negotiations”.
With 27 goals since the turn of the year, Neymar outshone strike partner Robinho in the second half of the season, yet was surprisingly left out of the Brazilian World Cup squad by coach Dunga.