As expected PSG rejected Barça's first official offer for Neymar. The terms of the deal were a season-long loan with an option to make it permanent next summer for €160m. Whilst the answer was 'no', negotiations remain ongoing. PSG insist Neymar is worth closer to €200m but Barça won't go above €160m - and for it to be paid in instalments.

Barça believe €160m is a fair price and would, in some ways, be doing PSG a favour by taking the Brazilian off their hands. And this isn't considering the possibility of including another player to further reduce the cash needed. In fact, Barça have enough money available to leave a considerable amount with PSG now and the rest would come in 12 months time.

Perhaps due to the fact no side in Europe is willing to come close to the €200m price tag, PSG are open to the option of a player moving in the opposite direction. Once again, this is proving difficult as the footballers PSG would like are considered key members of the first-team squad. A compromise will need to be reached.

Juventus are out of the race and Real Madrid, who are paying close attention to developments, are yet to show their hand. Barça remain confident a deal will be struck this month but Florentino Perez might be ready to swoop in and spoil those plans.