Tuchel and Valverde tight-lipped over Neymar future
Transfer window closes in France, Spain and Italy on September 2, meaning time is running out for a deal to be done
Neymar arrived amid deafening fanfare from Barcelona two years ago as the world's most expensive player in a 222 million euros deal. PHOTO: AFP
PARIS:
Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said Neymar is "ready" for Sunday's Ligue 1 game but whether he plays depends on developments in the Brazilian's bid to leave the club.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, claimed on Saturday that he is in the dark over any fresh bid for the 27-year-old.
Neymar is angling for a return to Spain but reports this week suggest PSG have rejected an offer from Real Madrid of 100 million euros ($111 million) plus players.
Neymar arrived amid deafening fanfare from Barcelona two years ago as the world's most expensive player in a 222 million euros deal.
Barca's own attempt to bring him back to the Camp Nou on loan with an obligation to buy for 160 million euros at the end of the season has also been reportedly rejected in Paris.
Messi back in training, in contention to face Betis
Tuchel toyed with reporters on Saturday when asked if his wantaway forward would figure for the first time since injuring his ankle at the end of May.
"He can play (against Toulouse) if the situation between him and the club is clear.....today it's not clear, perhaps tomorrow it will be," he said.
Pressed, the German added that Neymar was "ready to play" but that the final decision rested with the club's sporting director.
"Perhaps you have to speak to Leonardo," he suggested. "Neymar's had a good week (training) with all the squad, a week with a lot of work and intensity."
The transfer window closes in France, Spain and Italy on September 2, meaning time is fast running out for a deal to be done.
Valverde remained tight-lipped when asked again about Neymar in a Barcelona press conference on Saturday.
"There are certain players like Neymar that create a lot of interest," Valverde said.
"I don't know anything about it, we'll see what happens. First of all, he is a PSG player and we have to worry more about tomorrow's game than anything else."
Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said Neymar is "ready" for Sunday's Ligue 1 game but whether he plays depends on developments in the Brazilian's bid to leave the club.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, claimed on Saturday that he is in the dark over any fresh bid for the 27-year-old.
Neymar is angling for a return to Spain but reports this week suggest PSG have rejected an offer from Real Madrid of 100 million euros ($111 million) plus players.
Neymar arrived amid deafening fanfare from Barcelona two years ago as the world's most expensive player in a 222 million euros deal.
Barca's own attempt to bring him back to the Camp Nou on loan with an obligation to buy for 160 million euros at the end of the season has also been reportedly rejected in Paris.
Messi back in training, in contention to face Betis
Tuchel toyed with reporters on Saturday when asked if his wantaway forward would figure for the first time since injuring his ankle at the end of May.
"He can play (against Toulouse) if the situation between him and the club is clear.....today it's not clear, perhaps tomorrow it will be," he said.
Pressed, the German added that Neymar was "ready to play" but that the final decision rested with the club's sporting director.
"Perhaps you have to speak to Leonardo," he suggested. "Neymar's had a good week (training) with all the squad, a week with a lot of work and intensity."
The transfer window closes in France, Spain and Italy on September 2, meaning time is fast running out for a deal to be done.
Valverde remained tight-lipped when asked again about Neymar in a Barcelona press conference on Saturday.
"There are certain players like Neymar that create a lot of interest," Valverde said.
"I don't know anything about it, we'll see what happens. First of all, he is a PSG player and we have to worry more about tomorrow's game than anything else."