FC Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has dismissed suggestions that Lionel Messi has asked the club to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou.
The defending La Liga champions are widely reported to be considering a bid to bring the Brazilian international back to Catalonia, after he left for Paris Saint-Germain in a world record €220m deal in 2017.
However, Bartomeu has firmly denied that Messi has had any role in potential negotiations with the club's board.
"I know that Neymar wants to leave PSG, I have read it in the media.
"However, I want to end the myth that Messi requests that the club signs certain players, that is not true.
"What he wants is a competitive team.
"These decisions are made by the coach."
Bartomeu declined to been drawn on speculation that a bid would be forthcoming for Neymar, stating that there was no update on the situation.
He also added that whilst Neymar remains an option, he also believes that current FC Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele has the potential to be better than the Brazilian.
