Barcelona transfer news: Neymar wanted to stay, Suarez squashes rumours and more - 16th November 2017

Neymar wanted to stay at Barcelona

In a news that will send shockwaves to football fans everywhere, Spanish news outlet Marca reveals how Neymar wanted to stay at the club and it was, in fact, the club that decided to sell the Brazilian. Things looked quite the opposite when Neymar became the world's most expensive footballer on leaving the Blaugrana to join Paris Saint-Germain.

There were talks of how Neymar wanted to be the main man and get out of Lionel Messi's shadow. Further, the 25-year old was being courted by PSG for quite some time and he finally decided to take the responsibility to guide the Qatari-backed club towards the elusive Champions League crown. At every point in the summer, it looked like Neymar pushed for the move and PSG paid the required price to secure the player.

However, now Marca states how Neymar broke down twice while the Catalan club worked on a deal to sell him. Further, the Brazilian reportedly pleaded the club officials to stop the deal from happening. The club nevertheless went ahead to complete the deal and it remains to be seen how true these claims are.

Finally, Neymar left a message for his team-mate on the eve of the transfer saying:

"Remember me, I want to come back."

Barcelona fans will desperately hope that the player makes a return in the near future.

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Denis Suarez confirms desire to stay and fight for his place

Suarez squashes transfer speculation

The 23-year old has been in the rumour mill for quite some time now due to a lack of playing time at Camp Nou. Suarez was wanted by Italian side Napoli and English side Tottenham towards the end of the summer transfer window. However, he decided to stay and fight for his place in the side.

That decision did not go well so far with Suarez making only two starts in the La Liga this season. As a result, speculations for a January move persist with Italian newspaper Il Corriere Dello Sport stating Napoli's interest to bring in the former Manchester City graduate. However, the Spaniard cleared the air in an interview to Mundo Deportivo by saying:

"I do not want to leave. I've said it for a long time. My teammates encouraged me to continue in the summer and I do not plan to leave [in January]. I want to succeed at Barça. I have the feeling that whatever I do I am in the market. I have rejected proposals so the rumours do not come from me, I have not heard any offers."

He further clarified on what would his decision be if the club pushes him to accept an offer when he said:

"I said [in the summer] that I was not going to move, I was very clear before the season started, but every time the transfer market approaches, it seems that I am put me on the market, when I never said that I want to go. I am willing to succeed here because I consider myself at home and I think my style fits well in this club."

Well, that should settle the issue for now.

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Newcastle United eyeing Cillessen

Cillessen is yet to play a league game this season

The former Ajax goalkeeper has failed to displace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in Barcelona's goal since joining the club in 2016. Further, Cillessen is yet to make his first league appearance this season and given the form of his competitor, the Dutchman will be warming the bench for the foreseeable future.

Hence, Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez believes this is the right chance to sign the goalkeeper and El Gol Digital reports that the English side are looking to lodge a bid for the 28-year old.

Benitez sold Tim Krul and loaned out Matz Sels in the summer. The previous season's no.1 Karl Darlow was primed for a move but ultimately stayed put as the backup to current no.1 Rob Elliot. While Elliot has fared well so far, Benitez is looking to add the quality of Cillessen between the goalposts.

This could prove to be a good move for Cillessen who is desperate for game-time while Barcelona will have to find a new no.2 in such a scenario.