Neymar has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Brazil legend Rivaldo believes Neymar ‘needs a new challenge’ and has told the Paris Saint-Germain forward that joining Manchester United would be an ‘excellent step in his career’.

Neymar is being heavily linked with a move away from French champions PSG ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

The 31-year-old has scored 118 goals in 178 appearances for PSG and helped the club win five Ligue 1 titles.

But his spell in Paris has not been without its fair share of drama and the club’s hierarchy are believed to be keen on a shake-up that would see less focus on superstar players.

Neymar is said to be open to leaving PSG this summer and has been tentatively linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

Rivaldo was against Neymar leaving Barcelona in 2017 but is in favour of a summer move for his compatriot and has endorsed a move to Old Trafford to play under Erik ten Hag.

‘I am in favour of Neymar transferring to Manchester United,’ Rivaldo told Betfair.

Rivaldo has urged Neymar to leave PSG this summer (Picture: Getty)

‘In recent days there has been talk that Neymar might sign for the Premier League giants at the end of the season and, unlike when he left Barcelona for PSG, this time I am in favour of this move.

‘In 2017, I didn’t think it was beneficial for Neymar to leave for France, although I understood his reasons. But now I am convinced that playing in the Premier League with Manchester United would be an excellent step in his career.

‘Playing in the best league in the world in the shirt of a legendary club is something that suits very well a great player like Neymar who needs a new challenge. Moreover, United are going through a recovery phase under coach Erik ten Hag.

‘The team will secure Champions League qualification, have already won the League Cup and can still win the FA Cup, so I see Neymar arriving at a more structured club now and one that is ready to welcome a football superstar who will surely give a lot to them.’