Stop talking about his hair (WTF) and attitude (without mentioning any recent episodes) First of all it is very pointless (the talk about his hair) and second of all those two points have been mentioned 1000 times in this thread even by the same users again and again.
http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20110...-tiene-a-neymar-bajo-control_54211243922.html
It is getting more interesting than just some rumours. De Oliveira (the president of Santos) told RAC1 that Barca are more close to signing him than RM. Also told that he has been talking with Rosell for a while.
Neymar himself said yesterday that there has been contact from the two giants in Spain and that he is honoured by the interest. So there is interest from all parts.
Even Bartomeu recently admitted a interested in Neymar by saying that FCB always are monitoring the market and that Neymar is a great talent.
According to the article above (from El Mundo Deportivo) Raúl Sanllehí, the right hand of Bartomeu and Zubi have been in Brazil in the last few days, supposedly negociating with Santos and Neymar's family (his father).
Neymar, sin embargo, es un jugador que por su extraordinaria calidad y el gran margen de mejora que le proporcionan sus 19 años tiene ese 'perfil Barça' que es la primera condición para venir. Lo que está claro es que todo lo que pase en torno a su futuro lo sabrá el Barça el primero.
No hay ningún directivo entre los clubs europeos que tenga el control y los contactos con que cuenta Rosell en Brasil. Ninguno. Basta recordar su entrada con la 'seleçao' en un partido de la pasada Copa América, casi como un miembro más de la delegación.
This is the most crucial part (Sandro's connections in Brazil). Also expect Nike to have their say in this.
Also, the article mentions, (most important of all) that Pep is interested in Neymar as well but prefers that he will arrive next year (2012, summer) or in 2013.
Let us also not forget that the original rumour (of Neymar moving to FCB in January 2013) was started by a Brazilian newspaper, and one of the most respected. (O Estado de Sao Paulo)
To conclude; We are definitely interested in him (also Pep) but whether we buy him or not is to be seen (surprise, surprise).
And yes, we could need him in 1,5-2 years time as a long-time replacement for Villa. (Messi, Pedro, Alexis, Neymar, (Bojan?, Villa?) Villa wil turn 30 in a few months. Having secured a replacement, as talented as Neymar, who will arrive in 1,5-2 years is not stupid at all or unrealistic.