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Neymar 'happy' and open to signing new contract at Barcelona

Neymar says he is very happy at Barcelona and open to renewing his contract although it is too early yet to start negotiations on a new deal.

Neymar, 23, joined Barca in summer 2013 in a controversial deal which is still being investigated by the Spanish courts and could yet bring serious repercussions for senior club figures, Neymar's father, and the player himself.

The Brazil star's current contract runs until 2018, but the Catalan club have said they are willing to talk about a pay rise, especially amid reported interest from suitors elsewhere including Manchester United.

Neymar Sr has spoken cautiously about any new agreement with Barca, and the player himself said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that for the moment he was happy to concentrate on playing well for the team and winning trophies.

"I am very happy at Barca, and in Barcelona, where I have settled very well," Neymar said. "I have three more years left on my contract, and my father looks after these things. My only concern at the moment is to be focused on helping the team and to keep winning trophies at Barca."

When asked specifically if he wanted to renew his deal, he added: "Of course, but that is something we will talk about further down the line."

The former Santos player's contributions to Barca's Treble success last season have seen him tipped for a debut place on the 2015 Ballon d'Or podium alongside clubmate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid galactico Cristiano Ronaldo, something which Neymar himself said would of course be welcome.

"I am very happy to be on the list again," he said. "I hope to do my work, to help my teammates with goals, to keep progressing. Of course I want to be among the top three, that would be good for me."

Neymar added that Messi, 28, was sure to win the award this year however, and said he was in no hurry to take over from his teammate as the world's best.

"He is the big favourite," he said. "This year the Ballon d'Or is reserved for Messi, the best player in the world is already decided. For all he has done, Leo deserves it. I hope to keep playing alongside Messi, who is the best and an idol for me. And if I learn a lot from the best, maybe some day I can win it."

With Messi currently sidelined until late November with a knee injury, Neymar said he was "not frightened" by the challenge of playing a leading role in Barca's attack.

"Since I was a kid I have taken responsibility, with Santos, with Brazil... but here it is different, we know our responsibility, what to do on the pitch," he said. "I will do everything to help my teammates. The challenge does not frighten me at all, although I know it is difficult."