Neymar da Silva Scouting Report

By Mirror Football in Football Spy

Published 23:00 20/07/10

Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City are set for a summer battle for the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Neymar.

Roberto Mancini has already run the rule over the Samba star, but now the Stamford Bridge money men have set their sights on him as they plot the rebuilding of their aging squad.

Chelsea have £17m bid for Brazil wonderkid rejected

Neymar is still only 18 but has already had all the usual comparisons and has been dubbed "the new Robinho" (presumably that is meant to be a compliment, despite what Man City fans might think), and "the new Pele", although that may have something to do with the fact he plays for Pele's old club, Santos.

Nevertheless, he has been displaying enough talent to have the usual suspects sitting up and taking notice. As well as City and Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona have all expressed an interest in the youngster.

But what is all the fuss about? Here's your essential need to know:

MirrorFootball Scouting Report - Neymar
Born: February 5, 1992 (age 18) in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
Height: 5'8 1/2"
Position: Striker / winger

League Club Stats
2009– : Santos 64 games, 27 goals

National Team Stats
Brazil U-17 3 caps, 1 goal
Brazil U-20 7 caps, 9 goals
Brazil 3 cap, 3 goals

Video evidence

1) Watch Neymar working magic in and around the box in this compilation of his skills entitled 'Neymar da Silva: The Unstoppable Player'.

2) He has already been welcomed into the international set at Under 17 level, but if he keeps scoring goals like this, it won't be long before he's mixing it with the big boys in the senior squad.