Neymar may exploit FIFA clause to force through Barcelona move this summer

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar [COURTESY]

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is reportedly considering exploiting a FIFA clause which could allow him to leave the club this summer.

The controversial Brazilian star has long been linked with a return to his former club Barcelona, and he is said to be desperate to play in La Liga again.

Neymar's relationship with PSG sporting director Leonardo is thought to have broken down, with the atmosphere tense between the two men.

And according to Barcelona-based publication Mundo Deportivo Neymar is so keen to move on at the end of the season that he has looked into possible escape routes.

A FIFA clause states that players who have spent three years at a club are allowed to leave in exchange for compensation, on the condition that they were younger than 28 when they signed their contract.

Neymar meets all these conditions, and it is believed that Barcelona would be able to sign the player if they are willing to pay a fee of around £157m- a sum significantly less than the £198m they sold the player for in 2017.

Neymar must notify PSG of his intentions within 15 days of his last commitment to the club, but he can then legally break his contract.

In theory the player has to pay the cost of the compensation, but Barcelona are also allowed to contribute towards it.

The Catalan giants are known to be desperate for another attacking option following the injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, and reuniting Neymar with Lionel Messi would certainly be a popular move with supporters.

The 28-year-old has been in impressive form this season, scoring 13 goals in 15 games in Ligue 1, but was sent off in his most recent game- PSG's 4-3 win over Bordeaux.

Leonardo recently insisted the player was happy to stay at the club, telling Canal+: "Today, if we talk about the pitch, what are we saying? He is committed, very happy and a fantastic player. He is very fit. We are happy to have him. Wonderful."