Progress has all but halted regarding Neymar’s proposed return to Barcelona.

Paris Saint-Germain are showing no indication of budging in their efforts to keep hold of the most expensive football ever.

The Ligue 1 champions have so far resisted all advances for Neymar despite his reported intention to leave the French capital.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are understood to have made bids for the Brazilian forward, though neither proved satisfactory to his current employers.

The two Spanish clubs aren’t attempting to shortchange PSG either, with both offering first-team players in addition to cash sums in the region of £70 million.

While the Parisians will be hoping they can bat away any further enquiries until the transfer window closes on September 2, it remains to be seen how far Barcelona and Madrid would go to get their man.

Lionel Messi is thought to be the catalyst for the interest from Catalunya - so much so he reportedly phoned Neymar in an effort to dissuade him from leaving PSG for Los Blancos.

Messi and Neymar developed a strong friendship during their four years together at the Nou Camp and it would seem both are keen on a reunion.

However, according to Le Parisien, via Marca, talk of Barcelona working to land the 27-year-old could simply be a bluff designed to keep the Argentine happy.

Messi was allegedly annoyed with the club for prioritising the signing of Antoine Griezmann over Neymar this summer - an unusual outcome for a player who usually gets what he wants.

Barcelona have already spent £230 million and despite managing to get Philippe Coutinho off the books via Bayern Munich, surely don’t have the reserves to strike a deal for PSG’s main man.

But even if pursuing Neymar can only reach a dead end, the La Liga title holders would be wise to try and appease the best player in the world.

It seems more likely that Barcelona would make a ‘real’ approach for the former Santos prodigy in 12 months’ time, but the financial strength of Europe’s top clubs never ceases to amaze.

When will Neymar leave PSG and where will he go? Share your thoughts in the comments section.