Neymar given permission by Barca to leave for PSG

Neymar has been given permission to leave Barcelona as he looks set to join Paris St-Germain in a world record 222m euro (£198m) deal. The Brazilian, 25, told his team-mates at training on Wednesday that he wanted to leave the Spanish club.

UEFA sources: Neymar's release clause can't be blocked by La Liga. Matter between clubs. Face-saving or unprecedented challenge? #SSN

— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) August 2, 2017

He was then given permission by manager Ernesto Valverde not to train and to "sort out his future". The forward's release clause is 222m euros, which PSG are understood to be ready to pay.

Neymar drives into Barcelona training... only to confirm he is leaving for PSG. ??? #FCB pic.twitter.com/ZoQEBXEDI4— Sport360° (@Sport360) August 2, 2017

The latest development comes two days after it emerged Barca were ready to push for a Financial Fair Play investigation if PSG signed Neymar. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, La Liga president Javier Tebas threatened a legal response against the former Ligue 1 champion if European football's governing body failed to take action.

Neymar tells Barcelona teammates he is leaving club amid PSG rumours https://t.co/lX9HoLKJoa pic.twitter.com/Piw9imaffn

— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) August 2, 2017

He also said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had been made aware of the Spanish league's intentions. Neymar moved to Barca from Brazilian club Santos in 2013 for £48.6m, and signed a new five-year deal with the 24-time Spanish champion in 2016.