Only Neymar can decide his future says Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu

While he would prefer for him to stay at the club, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu claims only Neymar can decide if he wants to leave.

The Catalans have been rocked by the news in recent weeks that Neymar could potentially depart the Nou Camp for Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ligue 1 side are considering meeting his €222m (£197.6m, $259m) release clause while reports from Spain earlier in the month claimed that Neymar was also considering a move to France, having been encouraged by one part of his entourage to leave Barcelona to thrive away from the shadow of Lionel Messi.

A potential departure would represent a huge blow to Barcelona, with Neymar still just 25 years of age and yet to reach his full potential.

"Well, you know Neymar is one of our best players, and so we don't want to lose that player," Bartomeu told The New York Times. "We want him to continue, continue with us. He still has four years of his contract, so nothing else to say."

"You know that players decide if they want to leave, they can decide. But as far as Barcelona, we want him, and we need him. Because if we want to win, we need the best players possible."

Despite the recent rumours, Neymar has continued with his job, netting three times in two pre-season games so far and earning a man-of-the-match performance against Juventus.

Blaugrana fans can also take solace from the fact that the Brazilian is "happy" at Barcelona according to new manager Ernesto Valverde.

"The news is that Neymar was very happy, [he was] speaking with some friends from Manchester," Valverde told reporters after Barcelona's 1-0 win over Manchester United in pre-season. "There is no further news, except that he is still with us, which is very good."