Paris Saint-Germain attacker Neymar is allegedly warming to the possibility of leaving the club this summer.
The 30-year-old's deal at the Parc des Princes has now automatically extended until the summer of 2027, but he continues to be strongly linked with an exit regardless.
The PSG hierarchy are supposedly ready to sever ties with Neymar, whose 2021-22 season was bedevilled by injuries and fan frustration, as he was the frequent target of boos and jeers from his own supporters.
However, Neymar is previously understood to have possessed no desire to leave the Ligue 1 champions, with only Newcastle United being able to afford a transfer fee and his mammoth wages.
With the former Barcelona man not interested in a move to St James' Park, PSG were seemingly set to keep hold of Neymar for at least one more season.
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Now, ESPN claims that Neymar is increasingly open to an exit from the capital club after learning of club chiefs' stance, as Nasser Al-Khelaifi attempts to engineer an exit for the attacker.
The report adds that contact has been made with Chelsea over a possible blockbuster move, as new owner Todd Boehly aims to make a statement of intent in the transfer market.
Neymar's agent Pini Zahavi is said to be working to identify clubs who could afford his client, but Chelsea are one of only two or three teams who could realistically welcome the South American to the club.
The ex-Santos starlet earns a mammoth €43m (£37.1m) per year at the Parc des Princes excluding bonuses, and PSG would supposedly demand a transfer fee of £190m to sanction a sale.
Nevertheless, Neymar's Brazil teammate Thiago Silva believes that the Blues should go all out to try to sign his compatriot, telling reporters: "He [Neymar] has to go to Chelsea. If it happens, it would be the best possible thing. I hope it does materialise, but I don't know anything about it."
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Neymar only managed 28 appearances in all tournaments last season due to injury, but he still found the back of the net 13 times, as well as providing eight assists in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
The Brazil international won his fourth top-flight title with Les Parisiens last season, adding to the three Coupe de France crowns, two Coupe de la Ligues and three Trophee des Champions successes that he has enjoyed over the past five years.
Since becoming the world's most expensive player, Neymar has racked up a century of goals and 60 assists in 144 outings for PSG, but he is not the only attacking target for Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues are still working on deals for both Manchester City's Raheem Sterling and Leeds United's Raphinha, and they are believed to be edging closer towards a move for the former.
The duo could arrive as replacements for Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic, who have flattered to deceive in West London and could be used as part of a deal to bring Matthijs de Ligt to the club from Juventus.
Ben Knapton
