Chelsea Could Have Signed PSG Poster Boy And Liverpool Midfielder

Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Neymar turned down the chance to join Chelsea before his transfer to Barcelona in 2013.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho was also being monitored by the Blues prior to his switch to Inter Milan, according to the former Chelsea youth team coach.

Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth €222 million this summer, and Coutinho would have replaced him at the Nou Camp but Liverpool higher-ups refused to do business with their Spanish counterparts.

''When we were at Chelsea we were aware of Neymar and Coutinho. Lee came back from a trip and mentioned them,''  Rodgers told The Scottish Sun.

''Neymar was in first teams young, he wanted to stay in Brazil before moving.

"He has everything. He’s like a motorbike, he’s so fast and balanced, left foot, right foot. I love his hunger. He’s a worker.''

Scottish champions Celtic entertain PSG at Celtic Park in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Neymar expected to feature for the French team.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fcbarcelona.com