Barcelona boss insists forward Neymar not for sale

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu emphasised on Tuesday that the European football champions have no intention of selling star forward Neymar, noting that he will not allow any club to commence talks with the Brazil captain.

Bartomeu's remarks came in response to French reports on Neymar's possible move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). French newspaper L'Equipe reported on Monday that PSG is willing to pay the $219 million release clause in Neymar's contract, reports Efe.

The Barcelona chief told Globoesporte that the 24-year-old Brazilian will stay at Barcelona, indicating that "if anyone comes now to negotiate for Neymar, we will not authorise it".

Bartomeu pointed out that Neymar wants to play for them, adding that "the controversy has died down a lot in the last months and I hope it ends soon with a definitive decision.

"There is no controversy. Neymar's case was clear, he is a great talent. It was important to sign him as soon as possible so another club did not sign him," Bartomeu added.

L'Equipe reported on Monday that the player's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, said that at the moment there is no contact between PSG and Neymar, who "feels good in Barcelona" which he considers "the best team in the world".

However, the agent noted that "the prospect of living in a city like Paris and playing for a club like PSG is a dream for every player too.

"We will see what happens in two years' time when his contract expires," said the agent.