Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is stepping up his plans to prise Neymar away from PSG.

Globoesporte says Florentino has instructed Real's top South American chief, Juni Calafat, to open formal negotiations with Neymar's father.

Despite the public denials from PSG, in Brazil there's a concrete belief that Neymar wants to see the move happen after being left disappointed by the lack of competitiveness of Ligue 1.

Calafat has had a busy summer, closing a deal for Santos whiz Rodrygo and overseeing Vinicius Junior departure from Flamengo.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is adamant they won't lose Neymar just a year after paying €222m to Barcelona to sign the Brazil captain.