6 players Barcelona should target in effort to replace Neymar

Neymar's sensational switch to Paris Saint-German is one step closer, with the Brazilian megastar informing Barcelona that he wants out of Catalonia.

Related: Barcelona confirms Neymar has decided to leave

As fans in France's capital celebrate a move that could become reality by the end of the week, the Blaugrana now need to dust themselves off; the four weeks remaining in the summer window are filled with uncertainty - who will replace one of world football's finest talents? Who even could?

Barring a sudden change of heart for Real Madrid-infatuated Kylian Mbappe, here are six players Barcelona might be considering:

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Neymar's replacement on the left wing might just come with familiar shades of Brazilian sorcery in Liverpool's little magician Philippe Coutinho. The 25-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2016-17 under Jurgen Klopp, helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield. He might not be around to enjoy it, though.

Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou, with the Reds having already reportedly rejected a £72-million bid for his services. They'll hope Coutinho honours his £150,000-a-week contract.

For his part, Klopp has told Barca to "save their energy," as the German gaffer has been steadfast in his belief that Coutinho isn't going anywhere.

Dele Alli (Tottenham)

Tottenham's Dele Alli could be one of the few Englishmen to make the jump to Spain after reports linked the 21-year-old to the Camp Nou. But does Alli fit Ernesto Valverde's plans for Barcelona? That's the question the versatile attacker would have to answer.

He's certainly done well in multiple positions at Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino, used as a left-winger, a central midfielder, and, most often, as an attacking No. 10. Perhaps Valverde prefers a less traditional wing option.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

If Barcelona is dead-set on finding a like-for-like replacement, there is no finer talent than Chelsea's Eden Hazard, who offers equal parts tricky footwork, pace, and power.

His vision and link-up play also suits Barcelona's style well, and most importantly, he can challenge Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in the goals category, too.

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Dynamic, exciting, full of flair, and with a penchant for scoring beautiful goals, Paulo Dybala is perhaps the most well-rounded option of the bunch, capable of doing what each of Barcelona's other potential Neymar replacements can, with a little bit more pizzazz. Only 23, he's also young enough to be a long-term investment.

It would also finally see Dybala and Messi garner significant playing time side-by-side as the two have played international cat-and-mouse in the last few years, fueled by unfortunate injuries. It's a prospect Argentina would relish.

Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund)

At 20, Ousmane Dembele is among the hottest young attackers in the game, and would have attracted the likes of Barcelona in the future regardless of Neymar's move; such is his talent that he might have replaced him anyway.

Much like Dybala, the Borussia Dortmund winger, who would reportedly command a fee in excess of €100 million, would signal a long-term option for the Blaugrana.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Increasingly questionable hair choices aside, Antoine Griezmann would signal a superb signing for Barcelona, on multiple fronts.

The Frenchman is supremely versatile and would offer the club multiple options in attack, paired with incumbent stars Messi and Suarez. Despite his diminutive size, the 26-year-old is surprisingly dominant in the air, which would give the Catalan club some much-needed variance up front.

And lastly, plucking him from Atletico would significantly weaken a direct rival. It checks all the boxes.

Given Griezmann's very public decision to spurn Manchester United earlier this summer in favour of remaining in Madrid, however, this move seems like the least likely option of the bunch.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)