'Operation Neymar' is well underway
Real Madrid's potential signing of Neymar Jr is shaping up to be a soap opera this summer, with much of the decision-making power lying with the player himself.
The possibility of Neymar returning to play in Spain so shortly after joining Paris Saint-Germain, seemed somewhat unfeasible until this point but it appears 'Operation Neymar' is well underway.
With Real supporters clamouring for a strengthened squad in the summer, club hierarchy are zeroing in on Neymar as the only player who could meet fan expectations.
Whilst Neymar was recuperating from a foot operation in his native Brazil, the Spanish club sent representatives to initiate discussions, although it is widely speculated that they had made prior contact.
Once the 26-year-old had expressed his discontent in the French capital, 'Los Blancos' pounced on the opportunity and launched their operation to secure the striker.
Neymar had previously left Barca to step out of Leo Messi's shadow, but since found PSG's poor performance in the Champions League and lack of competition in Ligue 1 disillusioning.
Given that the Brazilian star has no buyout clause included in his contract at the French giants, and club owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi is aware that Neymar does not want to remain in France, the decision is largely up to the player himself.
If he signals his clear intent to leave the Parc des Princes, Real Madrid are likely to be more than willing to meet his €250million price tag with several key figures involved in the bid already working overtime.