Barcelona are suing Neymar for €8.5million (£7.8 million) for alleged breach of contract and demanding he return the loyalty bonus paid after he renewed his deal in October, less than a year before he signed for Paris St-Germain, the club said Tuesday.

The Catalans are asking for an additional 10 per cent payment due to a delay in demands being met, after presenting the Brazilian striker with them on Aug. 11.

"FC Barcelona has sent the Spanish Football Federation the labour lawsuit against Neymar Jr they submitted on 11 August at the Labour Tribunal in Barcelona so that they can pass it on to the appropriate authorities in the French Football Federation and Fifa," a club statement said. PSG signed Neymar for a world record €222 million (£198m) fee in August.

"In the lawsuit, the Club demands the player return the already paid sum for his contract renewal as he has not completed his contract; €8.5 million in damages; and an additional 10 per cent because of delayed payment. The Club also requests Paris Saint-Germain take on responsibility for the payment of these fees if the player cannot do so himself.

"FC Barcelona has started these proceedings to protect its interests following Neymar’s decision to buy out his contract just months after he signed an extension until 2021. This legal defence will be carried out following the established procedures with the competent authorities without entering into any verbal arguments with the player."