Neymar
Neymar was recently nominated for World Breakthrough of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Reuters

Neymar has named Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea as clubs that he would love to join. The Santos star has long been linked to a host of Europe’s top clubs, but has also again reiterated his desire to remain in Brazil for the time being.

It is widely believed that the 21-year-old forward will stay in his home country until after they host the World Cup in 2014. Interestingly, the clubs Neymar names does not include either Manchester City or Bayern Munich, both of which have been credited with a strong interest in recent months.

“I dream of playing in Europe, for a big club like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea,” Neymar told Esporte Espectacular.

"Who wouldn't dream about playing alongside [Lionel] Messi, Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta? They're all great players."

Neymar added that he may not currently have a place in the Barcelona team, hinting perhaps that he doesn’t want to disrupt his progress ahead of the World Cup.

“I don't know where I would fit in if I joined Barca, but I know my place is at Santos right now,” he added.

"There's no point in speculating when I'll leave Santos. I'll leave when I want to."

There have been reports recently, however, that Barcelona would push hard to sign Neymar this summer as a potential replacement for David Villa. The Spain international has struggled for a regular first-team place this season and has strongly been linked with a move away.

Former legendary Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff, however, does not believe that Barcelona need Neymar.

"[Barcelona] doesn't need Neymar,” he said, according to Spanish publication Marca. “Barca has a fantastic squad so why waste any money—although if he plays for the squad and for Messi then he would be a good fit, of course.”