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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Barcelona boss provides Neymar transfer update amid links with PSG star

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde gave a coy response when questioned on whether Neymar would be heading to the Spanish club.

The 27-year-old has made is clear he wishes to return to his former side as speculation over his PSG future remains.

Neymar recently joined back up with the French champions ahead of the new season, but rumours continue to swirl.

But Valverde has admitted he is none the wiser on the current situation.

Speaking at a press conference, Valverde said: "We'll see what happens. The classic response is that he plays for another team and that's that.

Neymar wants to leave PSG for Barcelona (REUTERS)

"All I know is that I'm the manager and I only think about the players I have. They are the ones I'll be using tomorrow [Saturday's friendly with Napoli].

"As it stands, I don't know what is going to happen."

It comes just a few days after Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner ruled out a move for the forward.

Cardoner told TV3: "As of today, there's no Neymar case, as the president [Josep Maria Bartomeu] said, and it's complicated.

The Brazilian has been back in (REUTERS)

"We are passive actors. We know he's not happy in Paris and it's a situation that needs to be resolved in Paris.

"We haven't spoken to them. There is a lot of respect between the clubs and if there is a Neymar case one day, we'll talk.

"Today, at this time, it's ruled out."

Real Madrid also reportedly have no interest in the player, as they focus their attentions on Kylian Mbappe, meaning it is likely Neymar will stay at PSG for the forthcoming season.

Kylian Mbappe hopes Neymar will stay (AFP/Getty Images)

Despite the ongoing saga, team-mate Mbappe recently expressed his desire to see Neymar stay at PSG.

When asked about Neymar and if he wanted him to stay, Mbappe was quoted by L'Equipe as saying: "It is as usual.

"He's got a situation that everyone knows. There were no special things. He trained, demonstrated his quality. Of course I want him to stay. I've talked to him about it, he knows what I think of him and his situation.

"Everything's fine between us. We have a relationship based on honesty and respect. He knows that I respect him and admire him."

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