Brazil star urges Neymar to join Barcelona

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has urged his international team-mate, Neymar, to join him at the Camp Nou, reports Goal.com.

The 20-year-old Santos striker has been heavily linked with a move to Europe, despite frequent statements from the Brazilian that he will stay in his homeland until after the 2014 World Cup.

However, Alves - who has 58 caps for the Selecao, and has featured alongside Neymar for his country - has once again called for the forward to make the switch to Barcelona, claiming that such a move would improve both player and squad.

"Obviously anybody would want to play for Barcelona," the right-back told reporters. "If Barcelona are interested in Neymar and if next month, next year or in two years he comes, I don't know.

"I hope he does come here because, as I've already said, he would get better as a player and he would also improve the team."

Alves has made no secret of his desire to be reunited with Neymar in Tito Vilanova's squad, but did downplay reports that his compatriot had already spoken to Lionel Messi about a future move.

"I haven't put Neymar in contact with Leo Messi," he said.

Barcelona are preparing for tonight's La Liga clash against Alves' former club Sevilla, where they'll be looking to bounce back from the disappointing Champions League defeat against Celtic in midweek.