Barcelona transfer news LIVE: PSG to green light £200m Neymar deal, Griezmann swap request

Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates coming out of the Nou Camp

Friday, June 28

• Atletico would like Barcelona to include a player in the deal for Griezmann

• Paris Saint-Germain just want their money back for Neymar

• The Catalan giants would need to pay £200million for the Brazil superstar

• Christophe Dugarry, who has slammed Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt

Adrien Rabiot deal close

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot, with the midfielder seemingly set on moving to Juventus.

Rabiot is out of contract with PSG at the end of the month and the 24-year-old is keen on a move away from the French capital.

And Rabiot now appears close to completing a move to Juventus, after his mother, Veronique Rabiot, confirmed that a move to the Serie A champions is on the cards.

You know football is strange and we’re all superstitious,” she told RTL when questions about Juventus’ interest. “It’s better to remain silent until the deal is done.”

Lionel Messi defended

Lionel Messi does not have a say in team selection for Argentina or Barcelona, for that matter, claims Luiz Suarez.

The forward has struggled to inspire his country to world or continental success in 133 senior appearances, garnering criticism from his homeland.

Such is his revered talent, it has been suggested Messi breaks rank and can influence team selection for club and country.

But Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez has quashed those rumours, speaking from experience at Camp Nou.

“He does not say a word,” Suarez told Fox Sports. “Not about a coach, a player, nothing. And in the Argentina team I think it’s the same.

“There were coaches who asked him things and he would say: ‘No, don’t ask me anything, make the decision yourself.’”

Antoine Griezmann swap

Atletico Madrid would like Barcelona to include a player in the deal for Antoine Griezmann.

The Telegraph recently reported that Barcelona would wrap up the signing of Griezmann when a release clause in his contract activates on July 1.

It’s said the Catalan giants already have a £107million deal in place to sign the French international.

But Spanish publication Sport are claiming the deal has taken a twist.

It’s said Atletico requested that defender Nelson Semedo be included in the transfer.

Barcelona reportedly rejected the request – but would happily discuss a separate deal for the Portuguese right-back.

Neymar plan…

Paris Saint-Germain just want their money back for Neymar.

That’s according to French newspaper Le Parisien, who claim the Ligue 1 champions would be happy to see the Brazilian superstar leave this summer.

Neymar, 27, has been tipped to make a sensational return to the Nou Camp – two years after completing a world record £200million move to PSG.

And it’s believed the Catalan giants would need to pay that exact figure to bring the forward back to Spain.

Le Parisien’s report was published on the same day newspaper Sport claimed Barcelona would pay for Griezmann in instalments – freeing up funds for Neymar.

De Ligt makes me want to throw up!

Bold words from World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, who has slammed Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt’s attitude towards his transfer.

De Ligt, 19, has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and more recently – Juventus.

But Dugarry doesn’t approve of his financially motivated approach after claims De Ligt is demanding a release clause in his contract that’s not permitted in France.

He told RMC Sport: “What is the idea? What is happening in your head? 12, 13, 14 or 15 million euros?

“If it is a purely financial option, I stop, that makes me want to throw up. De Ligt, he’s excellent, he’s very good, but with a mentality like that, it will not last, it’s not possible.”

Thanks for the memories

Jasper Cillessen has thanks Barcelona fans after completing his move to Valencia.

Cillessen played 32 times in three seasons for Barca, never managing to unseat German Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

“I would like to thank Barcelona for 3 amazing years,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I had a great time and i am happy to have been part of FC Barcelona. I am also very proud and thankful of the support i got from the Fans. So i would like to say: Thank you!! And see you soon!!”

Eriksen’s house hunting

Christian Eriksen’s rumoured transfer to Real Madrid is gathering momentum.

Zinedine Zidane wants to sign the Tottenham playmaker at the Bernabeu next season as his squad overhaul continues.

And it looks like he may be getting his man.

Denmark newspaper Fyens claim Eriksen and his family are searching for a house in the Spanish capital.

If true, it could be a sign that Zidane has given up hope of signing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been valued at a mammoth £150million by the Red Devils.

Keylor Navas pursuit

Manchester United and PSG are no longer interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The pair had been tipped to make an approach for the stopper, who was dropped to the bench after the arrival of Thibaut Courtois.

Spanish publication AS report that Madrid want to keep the Costa Rica international with PSG now looking at other options.