Transfer Talk: Neymar angling for Barcelona return as he eyes PSG exit

Julien Laurens loves the rumour that Neymar and Thomas Tuchel got along during their first meeting while discussing Neymar’s role next season.

The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.

TOP STORY: Neymar angling for Barca return

A sensationally bold claim comes from Madrid-based outlet Marca, which states that Neymar‘s representatives have contacted Barcelona to ascertain the likelihood of a return to the Camp Nou.

As you may well recall, the Brazilian superstar caused ructions when he jilted Barca to sign for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222 million transfer just one heady summer ago.

Still, after one injury-hampered season in Paris, the Brazilian forward’s entourage have apparently been tasked with phoning around the biggest of European football’s big clubs to see who is willing to bite on the off chance he should decide to leave the Parc des Princes.

The report in question mentions that while there is only a “very remote possibility” that Neymar will be heading back to the Camp Nou, he’s still keen to find out what Josep Maria Bartomeu’s stance would be.

Madrid-based outlet Marca reports that Neymar is interested in a return to Barcelona this summer.

Given that Bartomeu and his associates brought legal action against Neymar in the aftermath of his tumultuous departure, we’re guessing it won’t be overly favourable.

Alisson on Real radar

After an impressive season tending the net for Roma, mononymous goalkeeper Alisson has become hot property of late.

Indeed, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old stopper and are now attempting to strike a deal over his transfer fee with the Giallorossi.

Real’s first offer was somewhere in the €60 million range, but Roma are holding fast at their valuation of €80 million having already rejected a €50 million offer from Liverpool for the Brazilian.

Should things peter out, Los Blancos are also willing to revert to Plan B, which is a €40 million raid for Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea quash PSG interest in Kante

Chelsea fans were put on edge earlier in the day when a story in the Daily Mirror suggested that PSG were readying a £90 million approach for midfield terrier N’Golo Kante.

Despite ongoing speculation to the contrary, it’s emerged there is very little chance of N’Golo Kante leaving Chelsea for PSG.

According to the report, PSG sporting director Antero Henrique had made the trip to London to open negotiations with Kante’s camp.

However, a staunch rebuttal has since been forthcoming from Telegraph journalist Matt Law, who relayed the word of a source close to Kante claiming there is “virtually no chance” of the diminutive Frenchman leaving the Blues this summer, nor is he pushing to do so.

That strange sound you hear is thousands of Chelsea fans breathing a simultaneous sigh of relief.

Tap-ins

– Manchester City will resist any and all offers to sign Ilkay Gundogan this summer, with Barcelona and Inter said to be hovering, the Manchester Evening News reports.

– Keylor Navas has joined Bernd Leno, Rui Patricio and Salvatore Sirigu on the shortlist to replace AC Milan-bound Pepe Reina at Napoli, Calciomercato cites Gazzetta dello Sport as reporting.

Chris covers the funny side of the game for ESPN FC in the Toe Poke blog.