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ESPN staff 7y

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta: I'd rather have Neymar than €222m

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta says he would much rather have Neymar as a teammate than a massive transfer fee in the bank, amid speculation the Brazilian is set to sign for PSG in a world-record €222 million (£196m) deal.

The Barcelona captain faced the press in Miami, ahead of the weekend's Clasico friendly with Real Madrid in the ICC, alongside striker Luis Suarez. And both players insisted that only Neymar could end the transfer talk.

"We would like you [the press] to not keep asking [about Neymar] so much, but to end this, there is only one way: Neymar will speak," Iniesta said, before adding: "I do not think 200-300 million will be more beneficial for Barcelona than having Neymar.

"He is one of the best players in the world and I always want the best players in my team."I have no doubt that we all wish him to continue with us."

Suarez said: "Neymar will give his explanations. We have to support him with the decision he makes."

Neymar was pictured storming out of Barcelona training following an angry confrontation with new teammate Nelson Semedo during a training session in Miami.

Neymar reportedly took exception to a challenge from Semedo, who recently signed from Benfica, and squared up to the right-back until Javier Mascherano quickly intervened. But while Semedo walked away, Neymar was restrained by Sergio Busquets and then threw his bib on the floor before kicking a ball at a vacant goal in anger and leaving the pitch.

"It's true that there was that incident, which can be part of a training session," Iniesta said.

"But because of the situation and what is being said about Ney, which is worldwide, it has much more significance. For those of us who are training however, it's nothing."

Neymar has scored three goals in two friendlies during Barca's preseason tour of the U.S., including the winner against Manchester United, but has constantly been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.

Ligue 1 giants PSG are reportedly willing to activate Neymar's €222m buyout clause in a deal which would see him become the most expensive player in the world.

And on Friday night Brazil defender Thiago Silva dropped a hint about potential progress in the French club's pursuit of Neymar, suggesting more information might emerge "soon.''

Ahead of the Trophee des Champions clash with Monaco in Tangier, Silva told Le Parisien: "I play with him in the national team. But this is not the time to talk about him. The priority is tomorrow's match. After the game, we can talk more about it.

"He's my friend, we've been playing together for seven years. We have a very honest relationship. But we will have to wait. Soon everybody will be talking about it.''

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