The chairman of top Brazilian side Santos, Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, on Wednesday insisted young star Neymar is not on his way to Real Madrid, despite a report to the contrary by Spanish sports daily Marca.

"It is a grotesque and irresponsible lie," stormed Oliveira Ribeiro, annoyed the story had come just as the Brazilians were set to take on Penarol of Uruguay in the final second leg of the Copa Libertadores.

He said whenever top clubs came calling his message to them was "we have no interest in unloading our top stars".

And he said that "if it were for me to decide then Neymar and (fellow Brazil star) Ganso would reach retirement with Santos."

Marca had reported Real had reached agreement on a 45-million euros ($64.16 million) six-year deal for Neymar, who is also coveted by Chelsea.

"There's a long way between wanting someone and actually getting him," said Oliveira Ribeiro.