Real Madrid deny interest in signing Neymar

Real Madrid have released an official club statement denying any interest in signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The European champions have been heavily linked with a world-record move for the Brazilian forward, who is thought to be unhappy in the French capital following his transfer from Barcelona last summer.

Madrid's decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus increased speculation that they would be in the market for a high-profile replacement, but they have now moved to quash any links to a bid for Neymar.

"Given the constant information linking the PSG player Neymar Jr. with our club, Real Madrid CF wants to clarify that he has no plans to make any offers for the player," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The relationship between the two clubs is extraordinary, so that, if at some point Real Madrid were considering hiring a PSG player, the first thing he would do would be to go to his club."

Madrid have also been linked with Neymar's PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe and Chelsea winger Eden Hazard as potential replacements for Ronaldo.