Rio de Janeiro, Jul 16 (IANS): Barcelona has reportedly won the race to sign Brazilian sensation Neymar by securing a 60 million-euro deal for the striker.
The Catalan club is hopeful of bringing Neymar to the Camp Nou after the Olympic Games although it is unlikely he will move before the 2013-14 season, reports Xinhua.
The 20-year-old is currently contracted with Brazilian club Santos until the 2014 World Cup.
Barcelona is understood to have made a down-payment for the star which guarantees his transfer to the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions.
News of the deal follows calls from former Brazil international strikers Ronaldo and Rivaldo for Neymar to join a European club to fulfil his potential.
The reported deal ends the hopes of Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid, which have also expressed their interest in the starlet.