Jose Mourinho has poured cold water over Manchester United's reported pursuit of Neymar.

The Red Devils have been linked with the Barcelona star in recent times with Spanish newspaper Sport even claiming that the Premier League club were willing to pay the player's £173million release clause.

In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Mourinho was asked about the prospect of bringing Brazilian ace Neymar to Old Trafford.

“I always try to be objective and pragmatic with the clubs and ask the clubs for what can be given to me," he said.

“Neymar is absurd

“A club like Barcelona cannot and will not lose Neymar.

“Although (Lionel) Messi is still a young player with years to go, he is already 30, and Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona after Messi.

“I think (trying to sign him is like) going to try to break into a safe, impossible."

The 25-year-old is also on the radar of United's English rivals Chelsea.