Chelsea rules out Neymar pursuit

Published Feb. 7, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

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.