Brazilian coach Dunga will hold meetings with representatives of several of the top European football clubs this weekend ©CBF

Brazilian coach Dunga will hold meetings with representatives of several of the top European football clubs this weekend in a bid to persuade them to release their players for his Rio 2016 Olympic Games squad.

FC Barcelona star Neymar, who finished third behind Argentinian team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the FIFA Ballon d’Or in January, has repeatedly expressed his desire to feature for the team.

The 24-year-old will have to be given clearance by his club side if he is to feature, however, as the Rio 2016 football tournament is likely to clash with the start of the 2016-17 La Liga season.

Clubs are not obliged to allow their players to compete in the Olympic football tournament.

He is also aiming to take part in the special Copa América Centenario in the United States, due to be held from June 3 to 26.

Neymar is considered the country’s talisman in the national team and Dunga, the former Brazilian international who captained the victorious 1994 World Cup winning side, is hoping his inclusion could fire them to their first-ever Olympic gold on home soil. 

The FC Barcelona striker, part of the formidable triumvirate which recently broke the Spanish record for the number of consecutive unbeaten matches alongside Messi and Uruguayan Luis Suarez, was a member of the Brazilian team which suffered a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the final at London 2012.

Neymar is hoping to represent Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but will have to be granted permission by FC Barcelona to play in the tournament
Neymar is hoping to represent Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but will have to be granted permission by FC Barcelona to play in the tournament ©Getty Images

He is being considered as one of three overage players allowed in each of the squads for the Rio 2016 football competition, which is an under-23 tournament.

Other European-based players touted for inclusion as over-age players in the Brazilian side for Rio 2016 include Sport Club Internacional goalkeeper Alisson and Inter Milan central defender Miranda.

“We are going to speak with the clubs and the players to reach a common denominator, so that it is good for both and no one is hindered,” Dunga said.

“We have to speak not only with Barcelona, but also the other teams that will cede players over the age of 23 and reach an agreement.

“Our way of working in the Brazilian national side is that, since the players are valuable to their clubs, we have to talk, explain our ideas and hear theirs.

“The player spends the majority of their time with their club and a very short period with the national side.

“We have to deliver these players to their clubs in the best condition.

“We don’t want to exhaust anyone.”

The Olympic football tournament at Rio 2016 begins on August 3, two days before the Opening Ceremony, and concludes on August 20.