Alves: Neymar deal in place

Dani Alves says Brazilian team-mate Neymar has already penned a deal to join Barcelona when his contract with Santos expires in July 2014. While Neymar is one of the most sought-after talents in the world of football, with teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea chasing his signature, Alves insists that the Samba star has already decided where he wants to play. "He knows what is happening and the deal that he has which is to come to the club in the near future," the Barca full-back told Chinese website Xinhua. "If I were him I would come as soon as possible because it would allow him to improve the tactical side of his game before the 2014 World Cup. Apart from that he would be coming to a club that would suit the qualities he has as a player." Numerous reports surfaced last year claiming that the Blaugrana have already made a down payment on the 21-year old. True or not, Alves claims he has done his part in convincing Neymar that Camp Nou is the place to be. "I have already told him what I think. He knows what Barcelona can offer because I have made it my duty to tell him," he added. "But at the same time I can't grab him and bring him here. If I could I would have already done it. It's his decision." Alves would, however, not be so open about whether he thought Neymar could surpass Barcelona ace Lionel Messi. He said: "I don't know if he can reach the level that Messi has reached but he could reach a similar level. When you think about what Messi has already achieved, it's complicated. But there are players who have stood out in their generation and Neymar can certainly do that."