Barcelona are working hard on their relationship with Santos during their time together in Japan for the Club World Cup. Barca are determined to win the race for Santos star Neymar and hope to take advantage of this week's competition to strengthen ties with the Brazilian giants, says Sport.

Raul Sanllehí is spearheading the operation, having touched down in Japan yesterday. Raul represented Barca in talks with Santos earlier this year and will resume negotiations later this week.

Barca intend to make clear to Santos they want Neymar when his contract ends in 2014 - if not sooner.

Raul and Barca sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta have a meeting scheduled with Neymar at the end of the CWC. Those close to the youngster say he would be prepared to move to Barca next summer and has no problem making clear to the Catalans his hopes when they meet.