Barcelona chief Bartomeu insists he has had NO contact with Neymar over blockbuster transfer from PSG

The Brazilian star, who moved to PSG in 2017 for a world-record £198million, is reportedly eager to return to Spain after struggling to settle in at the French champions.

Although the 27-year-old has scored 20 goals in 23 games this season, he is thought to be unhappy with Kylian Mbappe’s emergence as the main man in Paris.

Reports that Barcelona could bring Neymar back to the club for £193m in 2020, via a release clause in his contract, were reaffirmed by Spanish outlet SPORT in October.

Neymar is said to have an agreement in place with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi about a move next summer.

It is also believed that Barcelona sent negotiator Andre Cury to London in November for a meeting with Neymar Sr, who is his son’s agent.

Rumours of Neymar’s father being in contact with Barcelona have circulated for many months now.

But Bartomeu quashed talk of direct conversations in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.

The Barca chief said: “He’s never called me, nor him nor Neymar.

“We are preparing [for] next season and the name of Neymar is not on the table.

"We are talking about a PSG player and I do not think that PSG wants to get rid of a player like him.”

Bartomeu admitted that the Brazilian’s departure was hard to accept, but pointed out that the money was used to strengthen the playing squad.

“With that money, we could sign two great players, Coutinho and Dembele.”

Neymar is currently out of action until April with a metatarsal injury, and will miss both legs of PSG’s Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester United.

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