COMMENT: Why did they do it? Why, on the eve of a massive game at Atletico Madrid, did Sport go with the front page splash of Neymar and Jose Mourinho?
Let's not mess about. Sport always works in the best interests of Barcelona. The idea of sitting on a story, even one as massive as Neymar being in regular contact with Manchester United's manager, cannot be dismissed.
But they ran with it. And included a second story involving Antoine Griezmann, of Atletico Madrid, being relegated to second choice in Mourinho's thoughts - just to reinforce the point. Neymar is in contact with Mourinho. The translator. For Barca fans, the despised one. If he hadn't been so impressive at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday, it could really have done some damage for Neymar and his relationship with the Barca cules.
But something is definitely on here. The stars do appear to be aligning.
Yes, we know, just in October, Neymar signed new terms to 2021. But we also know in that same deal was no immediate increase to his €200 million buyout clause. That doesn't happen until 2018, when it jumps to €250 million.
We know that since the signing ceremony, Neymar and his family have again been dragged to the Spanish courts over his long disputed transfer from Santos. And we also know, while Luis Suarez soon followed Neymar by also agreeing new terms to 2021, for the third member of the MSN, his negotiations continue to splutter and stall. Lionel Messi is now inside the final 18 months of his current contract.
Indeed, Tribalfootball.com can reveal there's real concern inside the Barca locker room over the state of the club's finances. The general opinion shared amongst the players is major sales - or one big, individual departure - will have to be made to accommodate Messi's demands. What better way to balance the books than to have United meet Neymar's buyout clause?
And politically, such a scenario would be perfect for president Josep Maria Bartomeu. He'd argue Barca, once United met the world record fee, were powerless to prevent Neymar from leaving and it was the player who pushed to leave - not the club (or rather, Bartomeu's board).
Yes, the MSN would be broken up, but the club's coffers would be full, their name no longer being associated with court cases, and with Luis Enrique's inevitable exit confirmed, a fresh start could be established under a new coach.
But even if Bartomeu felt he could cover Messi's demands without the need to sell, he'd still be powerless if Neymar chose to take flight.
Ironically, it is the Brazilian's new contract which has Mourinho so bullish about tempting him to Old Trafford. Ed Woodward, United's vice-chairman exec, can enter negotiations knowing - for once - he's not being played for a mug.
Last year, it was Neymar's camp which used United's interest as a bargaining chip in contract negotiations. The previous summer it was Sergio Ramos and his stand-off with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. But this time around contract talks aren't a factor, Woodward can take a seat at the table knowing he won't be burned again.
And at €200 million, he won't blink if Mourinho can convince Neymar about his plans for United. The player's father confirmed as much just 12 months ago.
"Manchester United is the side that offered €190m for Neymar," Neymar Snr said back in February, 2016. "He has still two years left on his contract but you can all be calm as my son is so happy here."
So, it really gets down to Mourinho and his powers of persuasion. He managed to convince Paul Pogba last summer. As he did Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Why would Neymar be so different? What's more, the translator can also - for the first time in his career - count on the Catalan press.
Neymar? In regular, cozy chit-chats with Mourinho? That won't create a rift with Barca fans, but a chasm. The stars are definitely aligning.
INJURY TIME
Wayne Rooney needs to get on the phone to one of his old Manchester United teammates.
If he is to draw the curtain on his Old Trafford career this season, rather than China or the 'States, Rooney should be looking closer afield. To Monaco. And studying how Radamel Falcao, after two disastrous years with United and Chelsea, has completely rebuilt his career back in Ligue 1.
A move to France should definitely be explored by Paul Stretford, Rooney's long time agent. Monaco, PSG, Lyon and Marseille can all offer a decent pay-packet and competitive football to the England captain.
As Ronaldinho stated, at 32, Rooney still has time to experience football beyond Europe. Falcao has shown the benefits of Ligue 1. France should be a serious option for the United captain.