Barcelona 'set to make THIRD Neymar bid as they attempt to secure Brazilian's return this summer… and club are willing to use Ousmane Dembele as a makeweight in attempt to convince PSG to sell'

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Barcelona are preparing a third bid for Neymar, which could include Ousmane Dembele, as they try and persuade PSG to sell before the transfer deadline.

Neymar is desperate for a return to the Nou Camp, having left the club for PSG in a world record £198 million move in 2017, but Barcelona have seen their first two bids rejected.

However, they are refusing to give up and ESPN have reported that Barca are considering using Dembele as part of a cash-plus-player deal, in the hope it will tempt PSG into letting Neymar go. 

Ousmane Dembele could be used by Barcelona as part of a deal to sign Neymar from PSG

Dembele's agent claims he won't leave the club, but Barca believe he could tempt PSG to sell

The winger has endured an injury-ridden two seasons at the club since arriving in August 2017

The Spanish club saw their first bid of £72m plus Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho turned down, while a 12-month loan followed by a £172m permanent deal next summer was also spurned.

With less than two weeks remaining before the European transfer deadline on September 2, Barcelona are hopeful their third and possibly final offer will be successful.

The club have previously insisted Dembele would not be included in any deal, while the player's agent, Moussa Sissoko, insisted last week that he wouldn't be sold, but ESPN claim they have shifted their stance.

Dembele has endured a frustrating two years at the club since his arrival in a £136m deal in August 2017. 

The 22-year-old has suffered seven different injuries, including a hamstring tear he picked up in last week's 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Dembele angered the club by not having a scan on the problem the following day, only to then complain of pain in his hamstring during training on Monday. 

A subsequent scan confirmed the damage, meaning he is now out of action for the next five weeks.

Sportsmail also reported on Friday that a lack of discipline has angered the Barcelona hierarchy, with officials fearing he is prioritising his life off the pitch ahead of his performances on it.