Chelsea are set to trump Manchester City for Santos whizkid Neymar.

The News of the World says the Santos striker, 18, was thought to be on his way to Eastlands as part of the deal that saw Robinho loaned back to his first club in January.

But Chelsea are ready to exploit a potential breakdown in the agreement.

City secured first option when Robinho joined Santos on a six-month loan deal.

But problems in meeting his wages mean if Santos cannot finalise sponsorship deals worth £375,000-a-month, the whole loan deal could collapse, with Robinho returning to Eastlands.