Chelsea leading Man United in race to sign Neymar, contact has been made

Chelsea are reportedly leading Manchester United in the race to complete the blockbuster signing of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG are set for a mass exodus this summer, with Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The French giants will also be looking for a new manager ahead of the 2023/24 season, having sacked Christophe Galtier just days after winning the league title.

Neymar could also be a high-profile departure as a host of Premier League teams circle ahead of tabling an official bid.

Neymar during Paris Saint-Germain's trophy ceremony. Image: Alamy

Newcastle United and Man United are thought to be interested in luring the Brazilian forward to England.

But it appears Chelsea have stolen a march on Man United and Newcastle by opening talks with the 31-year-old.

That's according to Le10sport who claim Chelsea officials want to back Mauricio Pochettino by opening negotiations over a move to Stamford Bridge.

It's stated that the Blues have contacted PSG to open formal talks over the signing of Neymar.

The former Barcelona man still has two years left to run on his current deal, so Chelsea will have to splash the cash to snap him up.

He's been at PSG since 2017 after sealing a world record transfer from Barca. He's made over 170 appearances for the club but could call time on his career in France.

A move to England has always been rumoured, with Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol confirming Man United are among several clubs that had been contacted by Neymar’s representatives.

"Manchester United have been approached by intermediaries about signing Neymar from PSG," he tweeted.

"They are one of a number of clubs who have been contacted about his potential availability. While a deal might make sense from a commercial point of view, he is not currently a United target."

Neymar to Chelsea? Watch this space.