BARCELONA chiefs are laying down the groundwork in a bid to sign Neymar next summer, according to reports.
The Brazilian is considering quitting Paris Saint-Germain in the summer with his contract expiring in 2022.
Spanish press are linking Neymar with a move to Barcelona
PSG will be forced to cash in on their star man to avoid losing him for nothing if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
According to Sport, a number of presidential election candidates have made contact with Neymar’s representatives to determine whether he would be interested in a return to the Nou Camp.
The elections to replace Josep Bartomeu take place in March, three months before the transfer window opens.
They believe a pre-agreement with Neymar over a summer transfer will boost their chances of becoming president.
But with finances at Barca hitting rock-bottom due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club will need to flog other players in order to fund Neymar’s move.
It is reported both Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele could be sacrificed if Barca can find buyers.
PSG will reportedly demand around £136million to let Neymar leave.
Griezmann and Dembele could be sacrificed to sign NeymarCredit: AP:Associated Press
They are keen to get as much money back as possible after they forked out £198m to sign him in August 2017.
PSG haven’t given up on their hopes of keeping Neymar after sporting director Leonardo confirming talks have commenced.
He said: “We’ve started negotiations with Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria to extend their contracts.”
Neymar asks to be subbed after just 25 minutes of PSG’s clash with Basaksehir after apparent groin injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
