Valverde: Neymar is with us & we absolutely want him to stay

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde insists he wants Neymar to stay as speculation over a move to Paris Saint-Germain continues.

The latest speculation claims PSG will look to spring his release clause shortly and Barca will turn to Philippe Coutinho as his replacement.

Barcelona are now in the United States for their pre-season tour, where they will face Juventus in the first game of their International Champions Cup campaign.

Ahead of the game, Valverde faced the press alongside Sergio Busquets, and was obviously asked about Neymar and his proposed move.

“Neymar is with us and we absolutely want him to stay here, the rest is just rumours,” he told reporters.

Reports have claimed Barcelona players have been trying to persuade Neymar to stay at the club and Busquets says he wants to continue at Camp Nou.

“I don’t know, it’s a question for Ney, like Valverde said, this is a time of rumours. I don’t know what will happen, only Ney knows,” he said.

“There’s nothing for me to tell Neymar, he already knows where he is. He can’t be anywhere better. I hope he stays for many years.”

Barca take on Juventus tomorrow and all eyes will be on Neymar, in what could potentially be one of his last appearances for the club, if, the rumours are true.