The former Sevilla ace has advised his compatriot to make a move to Spain - with the Catalan giants if possible - and reveals how close he came to joining the Blaugrana in the past

Luis Fabiano says Neymar should pursue a transfer to Barcelona after suggesting the Santos forward and Lionel Messi would be "almost unstoppable" as a front pairing.

The Brazilian has long been linked with a move to Europe following his rise to prominence in recent years, with Camp Nou frequently being touted as the likeliest potential destination for the 21-year-old.

And his countryman - former Sevilla striker Fabiano - is the latest media personality to fuel talk of a dream partnership between the South American duo ahead of the Blaugrana's Liga clash with the Andalusians.

"Messi and Neymar together? Phew... Neymar is very good but he needs the experience of playing in Europe," he told Xarxa Radio.

"It is very competitive there, but the two of them would be almost unstoppable.

"Because of Neymar's playing style, I think the best place for him to go is Spain, and Barca play the best football in Europe."

Fabiano, who now plys his trade with Sao Paulo, then admitted he was twice denied the chance to join Barcelona while still contracted to Sevilla by his then-president Jose Maria Del Nido.

"[Joining Barcelona] nearly happened," he added. "You would have to ask [president Jose Maria] Del Nido why it didn't, he didn't want me to leave Sevilla.

"I had two opportunities to sign for them, but in the end Del Nido rejected both proposals. He always made life difficult for me.

"It would have been the greatest moment of my career to play at Barca with so many great players, but the chance came and went."