Santos to extend Neilton's contract

Neilton of Santos celebrates a scored goal during a match against Coritiba at Vila Belmiro stadium on July 21, 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Getty Images)

Rio de Janeiro, July 24 (IANS): Brazil’s Santos have begun talks with Neilton, who is also a target of English club Tottenham, in a bid to extend the teenager’s contract by four years.

Neilton has scored four goals from 10 matches since being promoted to Santos’ senior squad in March, drawing comparisons with former Santos idol Neymar, who has recently joined Spanish giants Barcelona, reports Xinhua.

“We have begun negotiations. Our aim is to extend his contract. We need to sit down with him, his representatives and come to an agreement that is good for all concerned,” Santos vice president Odilio Rodrigues told Uol.

Neilton’s current deal expires next May and he will be free to sign a pre-contract with a rival club in November this year.

According to reports, Tottenham are considering a seven million-pound offer for the 19-year-old winger.

But Neilton said he had no intention to leave the Brazilian top-flight outfit.

“There have been no offers. I saw the news and I have a contract with Santos until next year,” he said.