Chicago Fire are reportedly looking to bring Neymar to MLS this year.

The Eastern Conference side could even offer the Brazilian wages which would rival his former team-mate Lionel Messi.

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Neymar is currently out of contract with Al Hilal in the summer after two years in the Saudi Pro League.

And now manager Jorge Jesus has said the Brazilian can’t play at the level he expects.

“Neymar will not be included in the squad for the championship,” the former Benfica coach said.

“He is eligible to take part in the AFC Champions League, although the Saudi league ranks among the top leagues globally… every player from Al Hilal is capable of joining any European club.

“Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to, things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”

He mentioned: “He remains contracted with Al Hilal and has control over his future, though management has a role. I am not aware of Neymar’s future plans.”

According to talkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, Chicago have held talks to sign the 32-year-old for the upcoming season.

However, Al Hilal want to keep hold of him until at least the summer and potentially further.

The club hold the option to extend Neymar’s deal through to 2026 and there are also plans for him to be named an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi Arabia were announced as the host nation for the 25th edition of the tournament back in December.

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A similar deal to the one given to Messi by Inter Miami could see Chicago offer Neymar $20million [£16m] per-year plus bonuses.

The MLS transfer window opens on January 31 and runs until April 23, giving the club over three months to complete the deal.

Neymar joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain back in 2023 for a league-record £69million but has since made just seven appearances for the club.

A string of injuries have hampered his time in Saudi Arabia, including an 11-month lay-off with a torn cruciate ligament.

Consequently, Neymar isn’t presently registered for the Saudi Pro League, with his two appearances this season being exclusively in the AFC Champions League over two months prior.

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Al Hilal would have to sell or unregister one of their other eight foreign over-21 players in order for Neymar to feature in the league this term.

Meanwhile, Chicago are currently managed by former USA boss Gregg Berhalter.

He has taken over a side which finished 28th out of 29 teams in the MLS’ overall standings last season.

As for Messi, who joined Miami in 2023, he captained his side to the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

The title followed a Leagues Cup triumph for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the previous year.

Neymar and Messi have previously been team-mates at both Barcelona and PSG, appearing together a total of 206 times.