Leonardo travels to China to try to convince Neymar to stay - report

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PSG do not want to lose their prized asset

PSG director Leonardo is flying to China to meet with the coach and players, but most especially Neymar, according to Diario SPORT. The forward’s desire to leave PSG is an open secret at this point, and it seems his compatriot wants to change his mind with a “lightning” visit.

If Leonardo is unable to convince Neymar, the report says then PSG will make a final decision concerning his situation in the coming days.

Leonardo has made it his priority to retain the services of the Brazilian megastar since being appointed, according to the report. He has been said to be in touch with Neymar, but in those conversations, the player has stayed firm. However, we are told that Leonardo wants to make one last push to prevent his exit.

Another report from SPORT says that PSG want Josep Maria Bartomeu to personally advance the operation on Barcelona’s behalf. The report states that negotiations are on “standby,” and that the time for intermediaries is over. PSG now reportedly want Bartomeu to personally get involved, although not necessarily publicly.

The deal is not “dead,” but there is a chance that it could come undone if the president does not act. Until this point there is an impasse, with PSG reportedly asking for more money and Barça trying to offer mainly players in exchange for Neymar’s return.

Another key detail in this report is that Barcelona are the only buyers truly in for Neymar. Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and especially, Real Madrid have been mentioned as potential partners in the deal. But perhaps their interest is not very strong.

Source: barcablaugranes.com