Neymar declines chance to play for Chelsea

BRAZILIAN striker Neymar has been in west London this week but unfortunately for Chelsea fans it appears the South American striker has no intention of returning on a permanent basis.

The 19-year-old star, rated one of the best finishers in the business, shone for his country in their 1-0 defeat of Ghana at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Monday. But despite strong rumours earlier in the year that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had tried to lure Neymar from Santos with a bid of £20m, it seems he has no wish to become a Blue.

Speaking to Spanish rag AS, Neymar was effusive in his praise of La Liga, saying: "Real Madrid and Barcelona have come calling for me. Both clubs want me." He added: "I can confirm it, but I have not reached an agreement with any of them. The interest from Spain's big two means that my self-esteem is very high because I am being followed by two big clubs like these."

Still with Chelsea, the Italian media reports that Juventus remain hopeful that a deal can be agreed for the Blues Brazilian defender Alex. The 29-year-old is now surplus to requirements at the Bridge and the Turin club had hoped to wrap up a deal before the transfer window closed last month. They failed, however, but according to latest rumours Juventus will sign Alex in January.

Contrary to reports that appeared in some of the more excitable newspapers at the weekend, QPR won't be making a move for David Beckham. Speculation was rife that Rangers were lining up an audacious bid for the 36-year-old midfielder once his contract with LA Galaxy runs its course in November, but the vice-chairman of QPR Holdings, Amit Bhatia, told West London Sport on Tuesday: "There's absolutely no truth in it. David Beckham is a great player and I hope in the next few years we'll be signing players of such stature, but not now."

LA Galaxy apparently want the former England captain to renew his contract and remain in the MLS, but sources close to Beckham suggest he'd like one last hurrah in the Premier League.

Talking of last hurrahs, Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't ruled out returning to Manchester United at some point in the future. The Portuguese poseur quit Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009, in a record deal worth £80m, but in an interview with Sky Sports  Ronaldo was asked if he might one day come back to Manchester.

"Maybe in the future I hope so, because I know the league, I know the players, I know the atmosphere," he replied. "I have good memories from Manchester... I really miss the Premier League - for me it is along with the Spanish league the best league in the world." ·