Chelsea and City have Neymar bids accepted

Brazilian starlet Neymar could soon be on his way to Europe after five clubs - including Chelsea and Manchester City - triggered his €45million release clause.

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The 19-year-old has been a long-term target for Chelsea, who had a number of bids rejected last summer.

But Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has now confirmed five clubs in Europe have agreed to pay the  €45million release clause.

The clubs - reported as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala - will now be given permission to speak to the 19-year-old.

De Oliveira Ribeiro told ESPN Brasil: "We don't want to sell the player, but of course there is a release clause in his contract that can be paid. Five European clubs have offered to match the clause.

"I cannot name them because there is an agreement between Santos and the clubs, but they are the most important European clubs.

"They have asked to speak to the player and obviously we've allowed them to."

He added: "The clubs have behaved ethically. They sought out Santos first and were willing to pay the clause.

"Last year, Chelsea's attitude was different. Their first action was to seek out the player's representatives.

"With this ethical approach, they can talk to anyone - with Neymar's father, with [agent] Wagner Ribeiro, and with the representatives of Neymar.

"These clubs can come and make their offers, but if he wants to stay at Santos then he'll say no and stay at Santos."

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