Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he encouraged Neymar to remain at Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a recent conversation with the wantaway Brazilian.
Neymar, who joined PSG for a world-record £198m fee in 2017, is determined to leave the Parc des Princes and secure a return to Barcelona.
The French champions are said to be demanding no less than £200m in order to grant Neymar a move ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
Recalling his conversation with Neymar to Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe said: "It is a situation that everyone knows. He has trained with quality as always.
"I want him to stay with us. He already knows what I think of his situation, I have talked to him in a relationship based on honesty and respect.
"I respect him and admire him."
Barcelona are keen on signing Neymar and have reportedly proposed a £90m deal plus two players for the 27-year-old, but the likelihood of the move happening before the transfer deadline is very slim.
PSG have made it clear to the Catalan side that they must finalise a deal for Neymar by August 10 if they wish to sign him in this window.
Leo Nieboer
