English champions Manchester City are reportedly ready to rival Barcelona for the signature of Neymar by lodging a £50m bid for the Brazilian international.

Recent reports have suggested that Spanish outfit Barca had sealed a deal with Santos for the 21-year-old which would see him join them after the 2014 World Cup in his homeland.

However, City are keen to sign the striker this summer and have opened up talks with his representatives, according to Goal.com.

The report has claimed that City officials Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain met with an agent at Wembley during Brazil's friendly against England earlier this month.

Following those talks, it is believed that City are now readying an offer in the region of £50m.