PSG demand Raphael Varane and Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid in transfer swap deal for Neymar… but Barcelona still hoping to get him back on loan
PSG reportedly want Raphael Varane and Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid as part of a swap deal for Neymar - but face competition from Barcelona, who are chasing the Brazil star on loan.
Neymar has been embroiled in a transfer saga all summer with the 27-year-old intent on leaving the French capital.
It comes after a failed bid to sign the Brazilian in a player plus cash deal with Real outcast Gareth Bale heading to Paris.
However, it is understood Bernabeu chiefs are not willing to sacrifice young duo Varane and Vinicius Jr.
It gives rivals Barca a boost in their pursuit to acquire the player they sold in 2017.
However, after signing Antoine Griezmann for £108m this summer the La Liga champions reportedly plummeted into £800m debt.
It means Nou Camp chiefs are instead pursuing a loan deal for Neymar, though a mandatory £200m purchase clause would be included in the contract.
PSG reportedly turned down an offer of £90m for the forward and the choice of two players in a list of six.
It was thought Philippe Coutinho, who PSG admire, was included in the deal, though the Brazilian has now agreed a loan move to German champions Bayern Munich.
Parc des Princes boss Thomas Tuchel claimed Neymar will only be sold if a replacement is brought in.
He said: "He will not leave without recruitment, it is not possible.
"It's clear - if he stays, we will have a player who will help us win.”
PHIL'S THRILL DOWN UNDER
PREMIER League ace Phil Jagielka has split from his wife of ten years after striking up a close friendship with an Aussie model.
The footballer, 36, has been spending time with 25-year-old Holly Young, who dated sprint star Usain Bolt for a year in 2017 and recently boasted about a £10,000 boob job.
Neymar was not involved in the PSG side who suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Rennes on Sunday in the second Ligue One game of the season.
The Brazilian missed pre-season having recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out of the Copa America.
However, with Neymar’s transfer at an “advanced” stage, he has been frozen out of the team until his summer transfer sage closes.