The 33-year-old's current deal is set to expire on June 30 and local media have linked him with a possible move to Major League Soccer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Santos has intensified efforts to retain the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star in recent days and is confident a deal will be finalised soon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We are talking to Neymar's representatives,\" club president Teixeira told Radio Bandeirantes, reports Xinhua. \"We are making great progress with our negotiations and are very close to a new agreement that would allow Neymar to stay for a new period.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has struggled for form and fitness since returning from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained in October 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He has made just 12 appearances across all competitions for Santos this year, scoring three goals and providing three assists, after rejoining his boyhood club on a six-month contract in January.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Teixeira defended the attacker from criticism that his off-field behavior and celebrity lifestyle were affecting his game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Off the pitch, he has his issues that are always very controversial,\" Teixeira said. \"His profile means that everything he does has worldwide repercussions. We understand that.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Teixeira added that his goal was to help Neymar recover in time to play for Brazil at next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We all want to see Neymar there, and he wants to play,\" he said. \"He's going through a recovery process and we want to help him through it so that he can come back better and stronger very soon.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Teixeira added that his goal was to help Neymar recover in time to play for Brazil at next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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