Neymar's father is key to Barcelona's potential deal for Santos midfielder Lucas Lima.

Claims of an agreement with Barca already being place are wide of the mark, says Sport, though there is serious interest.

Off contract at the end of year, Lima will be free to negotiate with interested clubs from July 1, with Palmeiras and Barca in contact. Santos are also pushing to extend his deal.

Barca's interest is being driven by Neymar Snr, whose company NN Consultoria takes care of the midfielder.

Lima has been offered to Barca, though that's as far as the situation has developed. The Catalans have been watching the 26 year-old's progress for the past two years.