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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Ousmane Dembele 'the key' to Barcelona securing Neymar transfer from PSG

It is one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer, and according to reports Ousamane Dembele could be the crucial figure in whether or not Neymar gets his move from PSG to Barcelona .

Neymar has been chasing a transfer away from Paris all summer having grown disillusioned with life in the French capital, and despite interest from Real Madrid and Juventus it is thought he is determined to return to his old club Barcelona.

According to Marca a delegation from Barcelona travelled to Paris on Tuesday to discuss a deal, including director Javier Bordas and other key figures such as Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau.

Neymar in training for Paris Saint-Germain (REUTERS)

Upon landing back at El Prat airport in Barcelona Bordas said: "There's still no agreement. We're negotiating, we're getting closer."

PSG are not willing to let Neymar go without receiving at least one player in return, with Dembele top of their wishlist.

The French forward has had a mixed experience at the Nou Camp, showing flashes of brilliance but largely failing to live up to expectations following his £135million move from Dortmund in 2017.

PSG sporting director Leonardo is known to be a big fan of the player and wants him involved in any deal.

French publication Le Parisien reported that Barcelona have offered around £153m paid in installments plus Dembele for Neymar, but believe PSG are not fully satisfied with the proposed deal.

Ousmane Dembele in action for Barcelona (SIPA USA/PA Images)

The two clubs have only until Monday to strike a deal, as the European transfer windows shuts on that day and will remain closed until January.

Neymar has yet to feature for PSG this season following a controversial pre-season in which he failed to report back for pre-season training in time.

Supporters of the club have also made their feelings about him well-known, displaying offensive banners and singing X-rated chants, and it is looking increasingly likely the Brazilian has played his last game for PSG.

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