Santos - No Man. United Bid For Neymar

Brazilian side Santos have rubbished reports suggesting that Manchester United tabled a big-money bid for Neymar on transfer deadline day.

It has been suggested that the Premier League outfit put a £38million offer to Santos prior to the summer window slamming shut.

Having missed out on Neymar's countryman Lucas Moura to Paris St Germain, Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly turned his attention to a player who has attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

The 20-year-old Samba sensation has long been linked with a switch to Spain, with Primera Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona prepared to battle it out for his signature.

United were understood to be hoping a late swoop would see their efforts pass under the radar, allowing them to wrap up a deal before rival clubs could offer a response.

Santos, though, insist they were never contacted by United.

The South American outfit have always maintained that they are happy for Neymar to remain in his homeland for as long as he wants, and he has offered no indication that he is looking to move on.

On the bid rumours, Santos' football director Felipe Faro told Globo Esporte: "I have no idea where that came from, but it's not true."

Neymar's father, Neymar Santos, has also sought to distance his son from the reports.

He said, with tongue firmly in cheek: "Neymar was sold two years ago but we are still here."