Neymar has admitted that he would welcome Brazil international teammate Lucas Lima to Barcelona "with open arms" if a deal can be struck.

Reports emerged in South America earlier this week suggesting that the 26-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Santos, is close to agreeing terms with Barca.

Superstar forward Neymar has denied claims that he recommended Lima to the Catalan giants, but he is excited by the prospect of potentially linking up with his compatriot at Camp Nou next season.

"He is a great friend in football and I am hoping that he comes to Barcelona," he told Globo Esporte. "I hope everything goes right. We would welcome him with open arms.

"There are lots of rumours out there. I'm just rooting for it to happen. If it were I who suggested him he would already be signed!"

Lima, capped 14 times by Brazil at senior level, is due to see his current deal with Santos expire at the end of the year.