After finishing among the top candidates to possibly be named the 2015 Ballon d’Or world’s best male athlete, it isn’t surprising that multiple teams would try to make an attempt for the 23-year-old forward.

Among the teams who were keen to see if they can pluck the Brazilian captain from FC Barcelona was Real Madrid.

As everyone has probably heard by now, the ballclub is under the new management of Zinedine Zidane. Many changes are expected to be made, such as the people who he prefers to work with.

One name that came up was Roberto Carlos, who claimed earlier this month that he could draw Neymar to Real Madrid because he holds close ties.

Carlos made that remark after the Ballon d’Or awards, as he focused on how the young player could rise and perhaps overtake the ranks of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The sensational rant of course made headlines but it didn’t take long for Carlos to backtrack and say that he was only joking about the whole thing via Goal.com.

"I only said what I said as a joke and someone took it seriously,” says Carlos.

Kidding aside, however, it seems Real Madrid is exploring the option though it may cost them to do so. It may take close to £144 million to pry him away from FC Barcelona, and such is something that Real Madrid fans feel is too much, as reported on Marca.

The Madrid-based newspaper asked readers if it was feasible to spend that much in acquiring Neymar. Up to 48.09 say they were fine with it but 51.91 were against it. The results were close but getting such done will entail a lot of work.

That plus the fact that Neymar has not indicated that he is looking for another team to play could render all possible dealings and efforts useless. He seems to be all good at Barca, so that too, could be a factor in case Real Madrid pushes through with its plans to pursue him.

Even Neymar’s father, Neymar Sr., refuted reports saying that his son is not interested in jumping ship via Sport.
https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/neymar-son-has-interest-real-madrid-4838418

"Real Madrid?! We have no interest. What media has said that? Marca? Where is it [the story]? The only thing I ask is for a little peace and to stop talking. My son’s intention is to continue [at Barca]…and that’s that."

Of course FC Barcelona will not release Neymar that easily. The rising star is considered a vital piece for Barcelona, and as ESPN FC’s Dermot Corrigan points out, has yet to be involved this season.