Casemiro could be the key to a deal between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid for Brazilian star Neymar this summer.

The French champions have put the unsettled Neymar on the market but are only willing to accept a transfer fee in the region of the £196million they paid for him in the summer of 2017.

But according to Spanish newspaper Marca, that astronomical fee could be brought down if Real were willing to include another Brazilian, the defensive midfielder Casemiro, in the deal.

PSG have been searching for a replacement for 36-year-old Thiago Motta for some time and believe Casemiro would be suitable.

Real have insisted Casemiro isn’t for sale but he has been playing a less significant role since Zinedine Zidane returned as manager.

His importance would also diminish further if Real succeed in their pursuit of Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba.

Having already spent £150m to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea, Real would also have to shell out at least £150m to persuade United to sell Pogba.

So, if their extensive squad overhaul also included Neymar, they would be particularly keen to drive down the asking price as much as possible.