Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly begun negotiations over a possible deal which would see Neymar return to Camp Nou this summer.
The Brazilian forward is understood to be desperate to leave PSG during the current transfer window, while the French outfit are seriously considering sanctioning an exit for the first time since he joined the club from Barcelona in a world-record deal two years ago.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently warned Neymar that "star behaviour" would no longer be tolerated at the club, leading the 27-year-old to reportedly threaten to go on strike if he is not allowed to leave.
A return to Barcelona is Neymar's preferred option, but Le Parisien claims that opening talks between the two clubs did not go well, despite Barca president Josep Bartomeu being involved at a much earlier stage than usual.
PSG are reportedly demanding that Barcelona match the £200m fee which they paid for Neymar in 2017, whereas Barca cannot afford that without selling players and are eager to negotiate a cheaper deal.
The forward has already agreed personal terms with his former employers - including a substantial pay cut - but discussions between the two clubs are expected to be much more long-winded.
Neymar spent four years at Barcelona, scoring 105 goals in 186 appearances across all competitions.
Barney Corkhill
