Brazil coach Mano Menezes has cautioned Neymar against joining Chelsea and says the teenager will benefit from continuing his education with Santos.
It is believed Chelsea have failed with a £24 million offer for the forward, who recently scored on his senior debut for the Brazilian national side. However, Neymar does have a release clause set in his contract to the value of £29.6 million.
Chelsea's pursuit of the player has angered Santos, who have threatened to report the Premier League club to FIFA for what they described as "harassment" - a charge that has been strenuously denied by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.
It is expected that Neymar will decide this week whether he views a move to Stamford Bridge as the correct step for his career, but Menezes hopes the 18-year-old remains in his home country at present.
Menezes said: "All understand Neymar's situation and what must be going on in his mind. But thinking about Brazilian football, his remaining with Santos would be beneficial. The team is on top and it would very good for Neymar to say with them for a longer period."
Though it is understood that Chelsea will redouble their efforts to sign Neymar and that he is interested in a move to the Premier League, the forward says he will take into account the view of his national boss and does not wish to be a substitute if he does move to London.
"I don't know if I will stay or depart but I don't wish to leave a championship team like Santos to be placed on the reserve team of Chelsea or any other foreign team," Neymar said. "It would be better to stay. I will take into consideration Mano's advice before making my decision."
It is believed Chelsea have failed with a £24 million offer for the forward, who recently scored on his senior debut for the Brazilian national side. However, Neymar does have a release clause set in his contract to the value of £29.6 million.
Chelsea's pursuit of the player has angered Santos, who have threatened to report the Premier League club to FIFA for what they described as "harassment" - a charge that has been strenuously denied by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.
It is expected that Neymar will decide this week whether he views a move to Stamford Bridge as the correct step for his career, but Menezes hopes the 18-year-old remains in his home country at present.
Menezes said: "All understand Neymar's situation and what must be going on in his mind. But thinking about Brazilian football, his remaining with Santos would be beneficial. The team is on top and it would very good for Neymar to say with them for a longer period."
Though it is understood that Chelsea will redouble their efforts to sign Neymar and that he is interested in a move to the Premier League, the forward says he will take into account the view of his national boss and does not wish to be a substitute if he does move to London.
"I don't know if I will stay or depart but I don't wish to leave a championship team like Santos to be placed on the reserve team of Chelsea or any other foreign team," Neymar said. "It would be better to stay. I will take into consideration Mano's advice before making my decision."
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