Neymar asks to leave Paris Saint-Germain and targets Barcelona return

Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during their friendly football match at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan on August 3, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Neymar is pushing to leave Paris Saint-Germain before the end of the transfer window, according to reports in France.

PSG are already embroiled in a contract standoff with Kylian Mbappe, who is refusing to sign a new deal which means he could potentially leave on a free transfer next summer.

But according to L'Equipe, Mbappe is not the only one pushing to leave PSG as Neymar has informed his management team that he also wants out.

The report claims that PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, is aware of Neymar's desire to leave the French capital.

Neymar's preference is to return to Barcelona - the club he left in 2017 to join PSG in a €222 million (£200m) deal.

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 03: Neymar Jr of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates with after scoring the team's second goal during the preseason friendly between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Paris Saint-Germain at Busan Asiad Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Busan, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Paris Saint-Germain Football/PSG via Getty Images)

However, Barcelona have no plans to re-sign the Brazil international and are instead focusing on a deal for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

When asked about a possible move for Neymar earlier this summer, Barcelona head coach Xavi said: ''I'm surprised [by the rumours].

'He's not in our sports planning. I really like him as a person and a friend, but we have different priorities.'

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Neymar earlier this year, with the club's co-owner Todd Boehly said to be a huge fan of the forward.

Neymar still has a contract with PSG which runs until 2027.

PSG, meanwhile, are in advanced talks to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona, while they have also agreed a deal with Benfica for Goncalo Ramos worth €65m (£55.9m) plus €15m (£12.9m) in add-ons.

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