Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has conceded defeat in the race to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar.
The 20-year-old has for several seasons been linked with a big-money move to Stamford Bridge, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been attempting to agree a deal.
Neymar is this summer likely to make a switch to Europe but, although his destination remains a mystery, Villas-Boas does not expect the Santos striker at Chelsea.
The Blues boss is quoted as telling Spanish media before Monday night’s Laureus World Sports Awards: “I think that the Neymar matter is closed and locked in a safe.
“He has decided his future and no-one knows where he will go. Unfortunately, he will not come to us.”
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas’ own future remains under scrutiny amid Chelsea’s disappointing Premier League season.
A three-goal lead was thrown away in Sunday’s draw with Manchester United at a far-from-perfect time for the former Porto boss.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been vising the club’s training ground, although suggestions of showdown talks with Villas-Boas have been played down.
Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/02/08/chelsea-rules-out-neymar-pursuit/#ixzz1mEjswSgC