Barça ask Neymar to stop any move he might have lined up with Real Madrid

Over the last few weeks we've seen talk about Real Madrid, Barça and even Juventus as possible options for where Neymar will play next season. There have been offers, counteroffers, players on loan, players in part-exchange and millions of euros. But aside from all of that the last word, and the only one that matters, is that of Neymar.

He needs to make a stand 

The Brazilian star and his entourage (his father and a group of agents) have been sending messages to FC Barcelona for months now. They knew about his unhappiness in Paris, and his regret at leaving the Camp Nou, before it became public knowledge. Neymar wants to be happy again and he feels he could be at Barça.

Now comes the moment of truth. Barça, via the people involved in the negotiations, have let Neymar know that if he really wants to come back he has to tell PSG that. Barça presented two formal offers and even travelled to Paris especially to discuss a transfer. It's Neymar's turn to do his part and prove he really wants a Camp Nou reunion with his friends Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Or, alternatively, show he only wants to join a side which will pay him the most.

Real Madrid are on the attack 

Real Madrid have also made an offer to PSG and the player himself. In the Spanish capital they remain confident because they know both offers are superior to what Barça have presented. Florentino, as we told you in SPORT, is desperate to close the transfer and is waiting patiently.

PSG know Barça's financial limits this summer and the only serious offer has come via the form of a loan with a future payment equalling their €160m limit. The only way to unblock this situation is for Neymar to reject a move to Madrid and force PSG to re-enter talks with Barça. It's the moment of truth in this long, twisting saga. Does Neymar really want to join Barça or does he simply want to leave PSG?