The future of Neymar at Barcelona could inadvertently lie in the hands of Nike.
The Catalans' deal with the sportswear manufacturer is pending an annual review, yet the club has frustrated the brand due to an inability to secure a sponsor for next season, which has prevented production of the next kit to begin. There is a fear that this delay could see the sum Barcelona is due as an endowment from Nike cut, and hence could prevent the club from producing a contract offer that Neymar would be satisfied with.
Speaking after a meeting of the board on Monday, Barca's spokesman, Josep Vives, reiterated that finding a fresh shirt sponsor remains "strategically important" for the medium-term future of the side.
Luis Enrique indicated on Tuesday that he is confident that Barca will be able to agree to a deal with the Brazil international, who has proven a hit since arriving from Santos in 2013. When asked about a possible contract extension for Neymar, Enrique said: "I believe so, yes, I think he'll end up renewing."
With talks stalled on the deal, however, there have been reports that Real Madrid could launch a bid for the 23-year-old, while Paris Saint-Germain is also keeping tabs on the player, whose current contract is up in 2018.
In December, Neymar admitted he was aware of interest from Manchester City, while his father and manager, Neymar Santos Sr, said therewere still issues outstanding which were holding up contract negotiations, but claimed a move away from Barcelona was unlikely.
"We've begun contract renewal talks, but there are outstanding issues that concern us, and which need to be resolved," Neymar Sr. said. "We are not thinking of leaving Spain but we have a problem. We've never experienced such major tax issues."
Neymar moved to Barcelona from Santos in 2013 and has now become a pivotal figure at the club, winning a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble last season.
He missed Saturday's 2-1 league win at Malaga because of muscle pain but is expected to play in Wednesday's cup quarter-final second-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao.
"He feels very good and there is no risk (of relapse), added Enrique. "He trained and is in perfect shape to play."
Information from FOXSoccer.com's newswire services contributed to this report.
