Neymar agrees to lucrative transfer to Paris Saint-Germain: sources

Barcelona striker Neymar Jr. has reportedly agreed to contract terms with Paris Saint-Germain, according to multiple reports. 

Sources close to the French club reportedly told ESPN FC on Saturday that a move is imminent.

If the 25-year-old Brazilian does leave the Catalan club for Paris, it will be for a record-breaking $259 million US — his current Barcelona transfer fee. 

Amid the speculation, Neymar shone for Barcelona in its International Champions Cup match against Juventus in East Ruthorford, N.J., scoring twice to lead his team to a 2-1 victory.

Barcelona's coach and president have been more willing to speak, and both are adamant the mercurial forward is staying put.

"We want Neymar to be with us," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said after Staturday's win. "We know the importance he has in our game, our dressing room, the team dynamic, and we want him with us. It's clear."

Barcelona's league campaign begins on Aug. 20, while PSG's season opener is in less than two weeks on Aug. 5.

According to Spanish reports, Neymar has told club president Josep Bartomeu that he wants to leave. But speaking Thursday during an interview at The Associated Press, Bartomeu said firmly : "He is not on the market."

Significant salary bump expected

The reported move would reunite Neymar with former Barcelona teammate and countryman Dani Alves, who joined PSG earlier in the summer from Juventus.

The acquisition of Neymar would add to PSG's already star-studded line-up, which includes Argentina's Angel Di Maria, Germany's Julian Draxler and a slew of other world class talent. 

It would also come with a substantial salary bump for the superstar who is currently suspected to be making around $18.6 million US per year with Barcelona. It's also expected that a move to Paris will pay him approximately $35 million US per season, according to Sports Illustrated's Planet Futbol.

Neymar is not the only rumoured target on PSG's radar. The Ligue 1 side is also reportedly after Arsenals' Alexis Sanchez, according to ESPN FC. 

Moving on from Messi? 

There is also speculation in Argentina's La Nacion that Neymar may simply be angling for a better contract with Barcelona, especially since the club recently came to terms on a rumoured $583,000-a-week contract extension with Lionel Messi.   

While already considered one of the best players in the world, the move would be a step out of Messi's shadow for Neymar and would likely come with a major signing bonus plus a slew of new sponsorship opportunities.

Although Neymar has remained quiet about the reported transfer, he added fuel to the growing speculation with a recent Instagram post.