Neymar joining Real Madrid would be “painful”, according to Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena.

The Brazilian is in talks to leave Paris Saint-Germain with both the Blaugrana and their bitter rivals Real battling for his signature.

Neymar is said to be desperate to leave Paris but while a transfer seems likely, the destination is not yet clear.

However, Alena hopes it won’t be to the Spanish capital.

“It would hurt if Neymar went to our eternal rival, especially after playing [for Barcelona],” Alena said after Barca defeated Napoli 4-0 in a pre-season friendly.

“We hope that he comes back. He’s a spectacular player, one of the best in the world.

“If he comes back it would be an amazing signing, it would be an incredible way to close the transfer window. He would make us all better.”

PSG revealed on Saturday that Neymar transfer talks are “more advanced than before” after he was dropped for the French champions’ opening Ligue 1 match.

Sporting director Leonardo confirmed to reporters that the Brazil icon was near the exit door but that PSG were “not yet ready to give their approval (to the transfer)” ahead of Sunday’s game against Nimes at the Parc des Princes.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said: “Neymar did not complete training and it’s not possible that he plays tomorrow.”

The club are impatient for the transfer saga to reach a conclusion, one way or another.

“It’s important to shape our future for everyone,” Neymar’s fellow Brazilian Leonardo told a press conference.

“If he stays, he plays. If he leaves, he leaves. The quicker (we know) the better.”