Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be closing towards a deal that involves Neymar’s eventual return to the Catalan club. The Brazilian’s transfer away from the French champions has been at the top of headlines – despite it being a long, drawn-out saga – especially with Europe’s top two clubs – Barcelona and Real Madrid—interested in him. Barca, however, seems to have edged out their Spanish rivals in pursuit of the 27-year-old attacker. Recent reports claimed that PSG and Barca have held “positive” talks although there is “still a lot of work to do.” Neymar Transfer News: Barcelona Officials Optimistic Of Getting the Brazilian Star.

Neymar made his desire – to leave – known to PSG even before the 2019-20 summer transfer window kicked-off. But with just a week remaining before the transfer deadline, the issue of Neymar departing PSG still remains with the French club still unable to arrive on a decision over his transfer. That they want to sell him was made by clear by PSG’s sporting director Leonardo almost a month ago. But to whom and for much remains the ultimate question for all parties involved. Neymar Fulfils Netflix 'dream' as Barcelona Says Transfer Deal 'closer'.

But according to report from BBC, PSG finally have agreed upon a loan deal from the La Liga champions, who wants to Neymar on loan before making the move permanent next season. The report from BCC Radio 5 Live’s Guillem Balague stated that Barcelona have offered to pay PSG €170m next season after initially taking Neymar on loan for this season. Both the clubs are reportedly negotiating a loan deal for the Brazilian, with the loan cost said to be around €35m.

Club officials of both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain met to discuss a possible deal, with Barcelona offering players to lower the cash amount, that will see Neymar move to Catalunya. He will first leave on a loan deal before sealing a permanent move next summer.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have reportedly fallen out of the race in their pursuit of the mercurial Brazilian after failing to come to an agreement with the PSG hierarchies. Real were ready to offer either of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and three-time Champions League-winning goalkeeper Keylor Navas in addition to cash for a player-swap deal.

But PSG demanded Vinicius Junior and Raphael Varane – two players Real president Florentino Perez sees as the future of Los Blancos – leaving both clubs away from any possible agreement.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 01:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).