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

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.

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.