Barcelona to offer Coutinho, Rakitic, Umtiti or Dembele to PSG in Neymar transfer
Sponsored by
BARCELONA are prepared to offer an array of stars, including Philippe Coutinho, in their latest push to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar.
Their quest to return the Brazilian to La Liga is unfolding as one of the sagas as the summer.
All eyes are on Neymar for when PSG begin pre-season training next week - and there are rumours he may not even show up.
Whether he chooses that day to formally request a move or not, Barcelona continue to work out how they can pull off what is proving an incredibly audacious deal.
According to Spanish newspaper , talks to send Coutinho the other way have been ongoing during the Copa America.
Negotiators are operating discreetly so as to not disrupt his quest for Brazil glory but have now reportedly attained a green light from the midfielder on swapping Barcelona for Paris.
Once Brazil finish hosting the tournament, that side of the deal is set to accelerate with PSG standing to cut their wage bill considerably if Neymar departs for his countryman.
However, the Ligue 1 champions will require another player to bulk up the swap.
Sport believe Ivan Rakitic was mentioned in proceedings but is unlikely to move to France.
In addition, understand the Croatian to be happy at Barca, as is another possible component, Samuel Umtiti.
Mundo describe how the Azulgrana intend to trade players whose combined value reaches the £152million that Neymar's release clause will drop to next summer.
On this basis, if Coutinho moves they will try and offer Rakitic or Umtiti - however Ousmane Dembele is so highly valued by the club they would only consider the French winger for a straight swap with Neymar.
The 22-year-old was Barcelona's record signing when arriving two years ago, costing up to £130m at the time, and still has plenty of potential left to fulfil.
TRAINING TWIST
The next big development in this saga is expected to come when PSG begin pre-season training next week.
Sport claim that Neymar wanted to travel straight to Barcelona after holidaying in Brazil, an idea he had to be talked out of by his entourage.
Furthermore, French publication L'Equipe believes his participation in his team's first workout remains up in the air.
Latest La Liga News
If and when he shows up, the cameras will be trained on the player for any glimpse into his future, be it through his body language or a public request to leave.
Despite the uncertainty over Neymar joining Barcelona, it is thought their move for Antoine Griezmann is continuing in earnest.
The Atletico Madrid striker's release clause dropped to £108m at the start of the month and the Catalans are likely to secure their man soon.