La Liga president Javier Tebas does not believe Real Madrid would spend a staggering world-record sum of €400m to secure the services of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a return to the Spanish La Liga this summer with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez said to be eyeing fresh faces for the first-team squad.

Los Blancos had a great end to the previous campaign as they secured their third straight Champions League crown but Florentino has still been fancied to bolster the squad during the summer after their not-so-good showing in their La Liga defence. The Capital outfit were out of the running for the Spanish league title from the opening weeks of the 2017/18 season and regardless of their mid-season recovery, they could manage a third place finish, 17 points behind champions Barcelona.

As a result, there has been the talk of signing Neymar to enhance their league prospects next season but Tebas does not expect the deal to happen this summer, he said: “Real Madrid aren't going to pay the 400 million euros needed for Neymar. However, the numbers that they generate can put them close to being able to undertake such a signing.”

Meanwhile, Tebas also expressed his intention to increase the popularity of the Spanish top-flight and he took a dig at the Premier League for their lack of Ballon d’Or winners, he added: “Our goal is for the Liga brand to be above those of players and clubs. It's that way in the Premier League. Although, I can't remember the last time a Premier League player won the Ballon d'Or.”

Regardless of this, there is expected to be some movement around the European champions this summer with the club considering a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, the Champions League holders are yet to recruit a new head coach following the resignation of manager Zinedine Zidane.