Valverde refutes Neymar's links to PSG: 'We want him with us'

New Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde probably didn't expect to deal with a "is he staying or is he going" story-line over one of the club's most prominent figures ... at least, not this early in his tenure.

But those are the cards he's been dealt as Brazilian superstar Neymar teeters on the brink of a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain, valued at a release clause activation fee of €222 million.

While Neymar has yet to comment on his future at Camp Nou, Valverde took some time to address reports of an imminent move, stating unequivocally that Neymar is an important part of his plans for the Spanish giant.

"Barca are not going to go without Neymar," Valverde told reporters, following a 2-1 pre-season win over Juventus on Saturday, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"We want him with us. We know the importance he has not just in our play, but also in the dressing room, where he contributes to the dynamic of the group. We want him with us, that's clear."

If Valverde can take any solace from the situation, it's that Neymar seems to have not quite made up his mind yet - ESPN FC reports that his father, who also acts as his agent, left the stadium in a car with a number of Barcelona board members after the match.