At the moment, Neymar looks set to run out in Barcelona colours as Santos continue to negotiate with the La Liga giants, having recently rejected a €20 million bid for the player, according to goal.com.
But the drama looks set to drag on in the coming weeks and months, with Santos eager to get their money's worth on a player that has been with the Peixe since joining as a 11-year-old.
Barcelona's reluctance to raise their bid means that the Brasileirao outfit will be hoping that other clubs will come in with better offers and instigate an auction for the player.
The longer the transfer saga draws out, the more likely another club could trump Barcelona with a higher bid. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reported to be keeping a close eye on the negotiations.
So with three giants of European football interested in the Brazilian, which club would Neymar be most suited for in terms of playing style and squad competition?
A move to the Catalan capital?
The most likely option for Neymar, as Barcelona are already deep in negotiations to bring the Selecao star to Camp Nou.
The latest reports suggest that Santos and Barcelona officials are haggling over the Brasileirao club's valuation of the player as they only own 55 percent of the player, the other 45 percent owned by third-party interests.
But if a deal were to be struck and Neymar packed his bags to head to La Liga and join Tito Vilanova's side, how would the 21-year-old fit into their plans?
Competing with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Pedro, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez and, of course, Lionel Messi, Neymar will face a tough task claiming a place in the starting line up.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images But it's by no means impossible. With David Villa set to leave the club and Alexis Sanchez failing to live up to expectations, there is a gaping, Neymar-sized hole in Barcelona's attack. Messi is well known for playing the false-nine role in Barcelona's setup but the forwards on either side of the Argentine have been rotated this season with only Pedro a consistent starter.
But with Neymar's penchant for playing on the left side of a three-man attack—as he has done so well for Brazil—he could fit in perfectly without disrupting their shape.
Messi can continue to reprise his usual false-nine role and, with Pedro normally played on the right, Neymar could easily take David Villa's role as the advanced forward on the left side of the attack.
In a league that traditionally favours South American footballers, Neymar would also have an easy transition.
With a South American contingent at Barcelona, Neymar can be made to feel at home alongside Dani Alves, Adriano, Javier Mascherano and, of course, Messi.
A move to Barcelona is the most natural fitting for all parties concerned, and arguably offers the smoothest road to success in Europe for the Brazilian.
Join Pep Guardiola at Bayern?
Alternatively, Neymar could join former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as he takes charge of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians are creating a star-studded squad in an attempt to dominate in Europe as well as in Germany, and they are well on their way with possible Champions League glory this weekend.
Neymar would certainly be their biggest signing of the summer should Guardiola move for the Brazilian star, with ESPN Brazil suggesting that an offer of €18 million has been lodged—and rejected—by Santos.
Again, the Selecao forward would be joining a sizable Brazilian contingent at Bayern with international teammates Dante, Luiz Gustavo and Rafinha at the club.
Christof Koepsel/Getty Images However, Neymar would face serious competition for a role in Bayern's lineup, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and the newly-signed Mario Gotze all competing for places. But with Guardiola's arrival, a shake-up could take place with Robben reported to have been transfer-listed as part of the summer's departures.
And if Guardiola implements his own style of football, complete with Gotze as a false nine, then Neymar would fit in perfectly on the left side of the Bayern attack and would be better suited to the system than any player currently at the club.
Bayern would be a choice out of left-field for the youngster and would be a huge capture for the Bundesliga, a league growing in stature with each passing season.
Will Real swoop?
Bayern aren't the only ones considering a move for Neymar, with Real Madrid reported to have put together a €100 million package to buy 100 percent of the Brazilian's shares.
President Florention Perez is assembling a host of star players at the Santiago Bernabeu once again, hoping to recapture the glories of the Galacticos era that featured the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo and Ronaldo.
Neymar would certainly be a huge boost to the Los Blancos' star credentials but, footballing-wise, Real would be the most difficult team to break into for one reason.
And it's a big one.Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star currently plays the same role Neymar plays for Santos and Brazil, making marauding runs down the left wing and terrorising full-backs in the process.
As a crowd favourite and one of the two best players in the world, it would be very difficult for Neymar to displace the ex-Manchester United forward.
With Mesut Ozil also a firm favourite in Madrid, Neymar would most likely have to adapt to a role on the right side of the attack where he would have to compete with Argentine winger Angel di Maria.
There is also the issue of Real's manager to be resolved, with Carlo Ancelotti the favourite to take over from Jose Mourinho.
With a change of managers and no guarantee of a starting berth at Madrid, it could be the least tantalising prospect of all three clubs interested in the player.
At this moment in time, Barcelona looks like the most likely destination for the Brazilian, and seems to be the best possible choice, but Pep Guardiola's Bayern could be a dark horse in the race for the Selecao star.
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