[Barcelona] Neymar contract talks on hold

The Brazilian will not discuss a new deal with his club right now as they try and attract new sponsors - but a new link with a gambling giant could inject much-needed funds

Neymar will have to wait until 2016 to start long-awaited contract talks with Barcelona, who are hoping that new commercial links with a betting company could help the club lock down the Brazilian to a new lucrative deal.

Celta striker Nolito could also move to Camp Nou in January, but the extra cash which would come from gambling giants Botemania will be vital for the Catalans to beat off reported interest from Arsenal to clinch the signature.

After signing Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal the Catalans hand over €393 million in wages annually, out of a total budget worth €539 million. This adds up to 73 percent, some three points over the Fifa ceiling.

The club therefore aim to increase their revenue by the end of 2015, with an eye to discussing the Brazilian's wages and other transfers in the new year.

They are treading on eggshells; another contravention of the regulations and subsequent penalty would be disastrous for Barcelona's plans after a year locked out of the market.

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A chance exists, however, for the treble-winners to bring forward their dealings. The debate will last at least until October 25, the date of the club members' Annual Assembly.

The board controlled by Josep Maria Bartomeu will present before the socios a new offer from Qatar Airways to sponsor the club shirt, as the current deal worth 30 million euros a year concludes at the end of the season.

Another possibility to inject much-needed cash emerges in the shape of gambling giants Botemania, who are in talks to sponsor the Barcelona training kit. First contact was made last week, and negotiations have continued into the present.

Operations have gone into overdrive with the imminence of the Assembly. The income from Botemania could be worth some €30 million a year, expanding the club budget and, as a result, effective salary cap.

Neymar, meanwhile, is in no rush. The player has already been informed that renewal negotiations would only start in 2016. 

Soccer Betting Tips

Betting Tips: Swedish Allsvenskan / Helsingborg VS Kalmar

Swedish Allsvenskan -- Match Time：8/1/2015 01:30 Saturday (GMT+8)
Helsingborg  VS  Kalmar Livescore | Match Preview | Match Statistics
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Helsingborg occupy 7th position in Swedish Allsvenskan with 24 points collected in 17 games (7 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses; goal difference 23:21). The distance to third-placed Djurgården (Europa League spot) is already 9 points so it can be very difficult for Helsingborg to chase for European places. In fact, it looks like it will be very tough to improve their current position as 6th AIK Stockholm have 6 points more at the moment. So, Helsingborg should rather look down as 8th Hacken have just 1 point less, wheras 9th Gefle 2 points less (and having played 1 game less). Anyway, Helsingborg looks at least totally safe as they have 10 points of advantage over the dangerous area. They are in fine form at the moment (3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses in last 5). Now it is time for a home game against Kalmar. Fortunately, Helsingborg in general perform fine at its ground. Team got 16 points in 8 games played so far (5 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses; goal difference 13:5). However, both of those defeats came in last 5 home matches and that is a slightly worrying sign. It is worth to notice that Helsingborg have third-best defence in Allsvenskan considering home games.

Kalmar sit on 10th place with 19 points collected (5 wins, 4 draws, 8 losses; goal difference 19:20). They are in similar situation to Helsingborg – it can be very tough to climb up in the standings. The distance to 9th-placed Gefle is 3 points, but Gefle have played 1 game less. At the same time, Kalmar have currently 1 point of advantage over 11th Hammarby and 2 points over 12th Falkenbergs. Also, they need to watch out because they aren’t totally safe yet. Kalmar have 5 points of advantage over 14th Sundsvall (relegation play-off spot) and 6 points over 15th Örebro (drop zone). So, it can be tricky. Team isn’t in great shape recently (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses in last 5). Now it is time for away game and their performances on the road haven’t been good so far. Kalmar got only 4 points in 8 away matches (1 win, 1 draw, 6 losses; goal difference 6:13).

All in all, I consider hosts as favourites of this game. They perform more or less fine at its ground, whereas Kalmar don’t impress on the road. Also, Helsingborg seem to be in better shape recently than Kalmar.

Pick: Helsingborg +0 @1.58