Barcelona and Neymar take first steps towards new contract for Brazil star

As SPORT reported a few weeks ago, Barcelona are working slowly but surely towards renewing Neymar's contract.

The Brazilian, in his second season at the club, has a contract which currently ends on June 30, 2018 - little more than three years away. 

The remaining time may seem a lot but big clubs like to negotiate new deals around two years before the expiry of a contract.

Neymar's undisputed quality and his youth means he will be one of the key pillars of the club in the coming years, along with the likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. 

Contact between Barelona and Neymar's father, who takes care of his son's business, has been constant and both parties have taken the first steps towards a deal. 

Barcelona want to extend his contract for an extra two years - until June 2020. 

Neymar is excited about the future of the club and is surrounded by people and players that he likes. 

At management level they believe Neymar will continue to get better and along with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, will be a forward line that is unparalleled. 

Obviously with a new contract, Neymar's financial terms would be improved too. 

He is currently earning less than the biggest stars at the club like Messi, Suarez and Iniesta, so this makes sense. Outside the club this may raise eyebrows, after the kerfuffle caused last season. 

Neymar will not be able to get more than €5million, which will be around the economic conditions of Suarez. The termination clause is expected to stay at the €190m it is now. 

Negotiations are open, communication is fluid.