Barcelona says Neymar staying

Neymar is set to renew his contract with Barcelona, while Dani Alves is leaving after winning 23 titles in eight years with the Spanish champion.

Barcelona director Robert Fernandez on Thursday put an end to speculation about Neymar's possible departure, saying the Brazil striker was close to signing a new and lengthy contract.

"Neymar will stay," Fernandez said. "He will reach an agreement with Barca and he will be here for a long time. The club will make it public when the (contract) extension is to be made."

There have been rumours about the star striker wanting to leave Spain, especially after recent problems with the country's tax office. Media reports in Brazil said teams in England were ready to make huge offers for the 24-year-old player after his Barcelona contract ends in 2018.

Neymar scored 31 goals in 48 games for Barcelona this season.

As for Alves, Fernandez said the 33-year-old player made a "personal decision" to leave and the club would respect it. The Brazil defender was reportedly close to a transfer to Italy's Juventus, although the deal had not been made official.

"Alves is a much loved player and his behaviour on and off the field has been fantastic," Fernandez said. "But it is his decision and we have to respect that."